Salvaguardare il paesaggio rurale dimenticato della Sicilia Centrale, luogo di identità e di memoria

In central Sicily, agriculture and pastoralism have shaped the landscape, giving rise to that intricate interweaving of historical stratifications whose signs are still largely legible in the territory today. However, the near disappearance of those very traditional sectors of production has lead to the decline of this area, and the notable decrease in its population. Numerous small rural towns, farms, and extraordinary underground structures are on the verge of disappearing, threatened by the depredations of time, weather, and vandalism. Very often inaccessible, these eloquent examples of the island’s cultural landscape are no longer actively integrated into the life of the region. However, if properly studied, protected, re-used, and reconnected to the territory, this heritage could help to reinforce the local cultural identity, and also bring positive changes to the socio-economic conditions of the communities concerned. This paper aims to explore all of these aspects, focusing as a case study on the province of Enna.