Research and analysis on sustainable tourism - Central Europe

2.1.2. Socio-economic profile
Territory 1: Valle del Chiese
Geographical characteristics
The valley is embraced on both sides by mountains which are covered almost entirely by woodl<strong>and</strong>:
the left hydrographic side is steeper, whereas the other side appears flatter as a result of the abundant
presence of grass fields; it is in this area that, over time, the majority of urban settlements were
founded. The most important inhabited centres were consolidated at the bottom of the valley, whereas
the less important villages settled on the slopes of the valley.
The valley is composed of 14 municipalities: Bersone, Bondo, Bondone, Brione, Castel Condino,
Cimego, Condino, Daone, Lardaro, Pieve di Bono, Praso, Prezzo, Roncone <strong>and</strong> Storo, of which 7
have a population of less than 500 units.
In spite of this, Valle del Chiese is today experiencing a process of balanced <strong>and</strong> sustainable
development, as a result of combined work among numerous players <strong>and</strong> different economic sectors.
Valle del Chiese can be seen as an example for the many initiatives which have been set up there,
aimed at a shared, intentional, balanced, environmentally sustainable, territorial development policy,
which takes into consideration the specificities <strong>and</strong> needs of the area. Fifty years ago Valle del Chiese
experienced a shift from an agricultural <strong>and</strong> forestry-pastoral economy to a decidedly industrial
economy, dominated by companies with external capital <strong>and</strong> management. This produced a sudden
risk of unemployment, due partly to a lack of product diversification with a prevalence of
manufacturing engineering <strong>and</strong> paper industry. All this hindered the development of a local
entrepreneurial culture <strong>and</strong> reduced the opportunities for flexibility in difficult times. The limited
presence of the public <strong>and</strong> private service sectors led to scarce employment opportunities especially
for women. Economic needs in particular gradually gave rise to the spread of a positive cultural,
motivational attitude among local governments, companies <strong>and</strong> associations, in order to support the
development of a healthier territory.
Table 5 Geographical characteristics of the Valle del Chiese municipalities
Municipalities Altitude (m. above sea level) Area Km². Density Inhabitants/ km².
Bersone 637 9.80 30.5
Bondo 823 10.68 59.6
Bondone 720 19.17 35.1
Brione 893 9.46 15.8
Castel Condino 811 11.14 21.6
Cimego 557 10.50 38.7
Condino 444 33.80 44.0
Daone 767 157.96 3.7
Lardaro 732 10.74 16.9
Pieve di Bono 514 20.86 67.2
Praso 785 9.81 38.0
Prezzo 664 3.81 50.7
Roncone 842 29.43 49.5
Storo 409 62.88 69.9
Total 400
This project is implemented trough the CENTRAL EUROPE programme co-financed by ERDF
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