Speaker
Description
Among Italy’s many "middle lands," the Po Valley’s lower plains (Bassa Padana) remain one of the least studied. This area, stretching across Lombardy, Emilia-Romagna, and Veneto, has long been perceived as marginal and economically depressed. However, recent years have seen profound transformations reshaping its spatial structure, socioeconomic fabric, and collective identity.
The Bassa Padana represents a vital yet fragile agricultural heartland. Its highly mechanized agro-industrial system, intensive livestock farming, and historically abundant water resources are now facing severe environmental challenges, including water scarcity, soil degradation, and climate change pressures. Urbanization remains limited, with small towns dotting the landscape, while industrial sectors such as mechatronics, biomedical, and household appliances concentrate in the more dynamic western areas.
This contribution critically examines the area’s evolving dynamics. On one hand, processes of marginalization, demographic decline, and economic downturn exacerbate a sense of isolation. On the other, territorial development initiatives focus on revitalizing local heritage, fostering new economies, and integrating diverse cultural influences. The interplay between sustainability-driven local projects and the pressures of agro-industrial and logistics expansion raises key questions about the region’s future.
The contribution also invites reflection on the risks and opportunities of the area’s development model in the face of climate and social change.
| Best Congress Paper Award | Yes |
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