Science & Tech · Science & Environment · 1 hr ago
Young people seek new opportunities in Italy’s hills and mountains
Young people are looking to build lives and careers in Italy’s hills and mountains, including those who grew up there and those moving from cities.
These areas cover about 70% of Italy and are home to nearly 4,000 municipalities.
They support much of the country’s biodiversity and food production, but are often treated as marginal.
Limited services, jobs and transport have pushed residents to leave; many small towns lost up to 20% of their population over the past 20 years.
At the recent Terra Madre Salone del Gusto event in Turin, young people presented ideas and experiences in a space focused on these areas.
They want to develop cooperative farming and forestry, care for local ecosystems and take part in community life.
The article says these communities need better schools, transport, health care and other services to make a dignified life there possible.
Young people are seeking work and a dignified life in Italy’s hills and mountains, according to an opinion article in Il Fatto Quotidiano.
Some grew up in these areas and want to stay, while others are moving there from cities.
They see opportunities in cooperative farming and forestry, community life and caring for local ecosystems.
The article says a lack of services, jobs and infrastructure has pushed young people to leave inland areas.
Young people were prominent at the recently concluded Terra Madre Salone del Gusto in Turin, especially in the “Terre Alte” space.
- Who
- Young people, including those from hill and mountain communities and people moving there from cities.
- What
- They are pursuing opportunities to work and live in Italy’s hills and mountains.
- When
- At the recently concluded Terra Madre Salone del Gusto; the article was published on 12 October 2026.
- Where
- Italy’s hill and mountain areas, and the “Terre Alte” space at the event in Turin.
- Why
- They see possibilities for work, community participation and a meaningful life. The article says a lack of services, jobs and infrastructure has also driven young people to leave inland areas.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
No direct quotes in the coverage so far.
Many small Italian municipalities have lost up to 20% of their population, according to ISTAT as cited in the article.
Young people attended and spoke at the “Terre Alte” space in Turin.
Il Fatto Quotidiano published the article.
- Territory
- Hill and mountain areas account for about 70% of Italy’s territory.
- Municipalities
- These areas include almost 4,000 municipalities.
- DOP products
- 92% come from mountain or inland areas.
- Agri-food businesses
- 46% are located in hill and mountain areas.
- Young-run businesses
- 9.2% of businesses in these areas are run by young people.
Sources
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