Publications
Digital technology and risk management in rural tourism: Insights from Langhe, Roero and Monferrato
Rural tourism in UNESCO-listed regions can enhance competitiveness and sustainability through strategic digitalization aligned with risk management. A study on Italy's Langhe, Roero, and Monferrato vineyard landscapes reveals how local actors leverage digital tools—such as data analytics, online marketing, and platform-based collaboration—to mitigate environmental, market, and climate-related risks while preserving cultural identity. The research identifies key risk categories and demonstrates that digital innovation, when integrated with resilience strategies, fosters long-term adaptability in rural destinations. This approach offers practical insights for policymakers and destination managers to navigate post-pandemic challenges and ensure sustainable development.
Implementing supportive policies to promote nature-based solutions at regional level through collaboration with winegrowers
A pioneering governmental application of nature-based solutions (NbS) in the UNESCO-listed Vineyard Landscape of Piedmont, Italy, demonstrates their potential to enhance vineyard ecosystems while supporting sustainable wine production. The study highlights 12 agroecology-based practices integrated into vineyards within Europe’s Nature 2000 protected areas, showcasing positive ecological impacts through a participatory approach involving local winegrowers and regional authorities. Case studies from the Monte Fenera Regional Park reveal that collaborative policies, such as the Ecologic Incidence Assessment process, can effectively promote NbS adoption, fostering biodiversity conservation while maintaining traditional viticultural practices like Nebbiolo production in Boca. This model underscores the feasibility of integrating environmental goals with economic and cultural heritage objectives at a regional scale.
“It’s Years of Walking, of Reading the Forest”: White Truffle Hunters’ Perception of Socio-Ecological Change in Langhe and Roero, NW Italy
White truffle hunting in the Piedmontese landscapes of Italy is more than a foraging practice—it embodies deep, intergenerational relationships with forests, shaped by sensory attunement and emotional connections. A study reveals that socio-ecological transformations, such as land privatization, vineyard expansion, and monocultural plantations, are disrupting these traditional practices, leading to ecological estrangement, dispossession, and the erosion of knowledge transmission. Hunters report a loss of sensory orientation, access to ancestral lands, and a breakdown in the human–dog forest relational web, accompanied by grief and identity erosion. These changes threaten not only ecological but also emotional and cultural sustainability, underscoring the need for a broader understanding of sustainability that includes affective and place-based knowledge systems.
Alba, la città delle “cento” torri: una proposta per la valorizzazione delle strutture evidenti e latenti
Alba, Italy, is renowned for its medieval towers, which once symbolized the political and military power of leading families. While often described as the 'city of a hundred towers,' this perception is an overestimation, yet it reflects the significant density of these structures in the city's historic core. A notable aspect of this research is the identification and documentation of both visible and latent tower structures—those integrated into building facades or concealed underground—which are crucial to understanding Alba's architectural heritage. The study proposes strategies for preserving and enhancing these structures, emphasizing their importance within the cultural policies of a city that leads the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Langhe-Roero-Monferrato. By focusing on both evident and latent traces, this work aims to foster greater citizen involvement and sensitivity among tourists, contributing to the sustainable development of Alba's cultural landscape.
Heritage Interpretation and First-Person Narratives
First-person narratives can effectively challenge traditional heritage interpretations and promote gender-inclusive perspectives. A study of the UNESCO World Heritage vineyard landscape of Piedmont, Italy, reveals that women have played an agentic role in shaping the site's identity despite being marginalized in dominant narratives. Through interviews and analysis of Nuto Revelli's work, researchers demonstrate how oral history captures intimate aspects of women's lives, exposing material and symbolic constraints. These narratives can be translated into heritage interpretation practices, fostering critical understanding of gender diversity and advancing progressive social change through dynamic cultural policies.
Literary Tourism and Cultural Sustainability: The Landscape of Beppe Fenoglio in the Langhe, Italy
Literary tourism, particularly through the lens of Beppe Fenoglio's works, emerges as a unique driver for cultural sustainability in the Langhe-Roero and Monferrato region of Piedmont. This niche form of tourism, distinct from the area’s established food-and-wine appeal, offers a deeper connection to local rural life, culture, and Resistance history, fostering new interpretations of the landscape and strengthening collective memory. While limited by sample size, the study identifies 'Fenoglians'—special interest tourists drawn to Fenoglio's narrative—as a promising avenue for tourism diversification. The research employs mixed methods, including documentary analysis, questionnaires, and interviews, revealing how fictional narratives shape tourist perceptions and community heritage preservation. This approach underscores the role of local communities in bridging literary narratives with landscape sustainability.
The evolution of an epidemic: age-period-cohort modelling of mesothelioma in Casale Monferrato, 1990–2021, with projections to 2042
A study projecting the future of mesothelioma incidence in Casale Monferrato, Italyreveals that the epidemic driven by asbestos exposure will decline steadily but persist until mid-century. Using Age-Period-Cohort (APC) models with data from 1990 to 2021, researchers estimated that cases will return to early 1990s levels by 2035 and drop further by 2042, despite the disease's long latency. The analysis highlighted higher environmental exposure risks for women, who accounted for 58% of non-occupational cases compared to 22% in men. Projections used three modeling approaches, all yielding consistent results, underscoring the need for continued surveillance due to the lingering health burden.
Curious Seventeenth-Century Painting of Music-Making in Casale Monferrato
A seventeenth-century painting in the Cathedral of Casale Monferrato, part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site 'Vineyard Landscape of Piedmont: Langhe-Roero and Monferrato,' depicts a unique musical arrangement involving six members of the Confraternità di San Filippo playing viols around an innovative music stand. This stand features six individual bookstands supported by a single central pole, accompanied by two choirboys, a harpsichordist, and a musical director. The painting includes an inscription, 'SI. NOMIO. QUIS. BROMIUS?,' which adds to its historical intrigue.
Excursion voyage au Monferrato 15 - 18 octobre 2024
A detailed excursion through the Monferrato region, part of the UNESCO-listed Vineyard Landscape of Piedmont (Langhe-Roero and Monferrato), reveals its unique geological and cultural significance. The study highlights the interplay between human land use and natural landscapes, emphasizing the region's historical viticulture practices and their impact on the terrain. Researchers employed a multi-disciplinary approach, combining field observations with geographical analysis to document the area's distinct features, including its rolling hills, vineyard terraces, and traditional farming techniques. The findings underscore Monferrato's role as a living laboratory for sustainable agriculture and biodiversity conservation, offering insights into the long-term interactions between human activity and environmental dynamics.
Fish Otoliths from the Upper Oligocene and Lower Miocene of the Monferrato and Turin Hill, Northern Italy
A study of fish otoliths from the late Oligocene to early Miocene strata in northern Italy reveals a rich fossil record, including 68 species-level taxa, 16 of which are newly described. The findings fill a significant stratigraphic gap for the mesopelagic family Myctophidae in Europe, refining their stratigraphic ranges and suggesting potential as biostratigraphic tools. Notably, myctophid species exhibit a wide geographic distribution during the Miocene, mirroring modern patterns. The research compares these assemblages with coeval global records, offering insights into paleobiogeographic dynamics.
Adrift among the vineyards second home owners' perceptions and reactions about climate change in the cultural landscape of the vineyards of Langhe-Roero and Monferrato, Italy
Climate change is reshaping the future of second-home tourism and agricultural practices in the UNESCO-listed vineyard landscapes of Langhe-Roero and Monferrato, Italy. Research reveals that while some owners may abandon their properties due to financial strain from climate-related damages or shifting optimal growing conditions, others could be drawn to the region as temperatures rise in urban areas. Second-home owners are positioned to drive resilience in rural communities by adopting innovative adaptation strategies and challenging traditional norms around land use and agriculture. The study employed in-depth semi-structured interviews to trace potential future scenarios, highlighting the dual threat of economic instability and environmental change while also identifying opportunities for sustainable development.
Environmental perspective of decarbonization actions in the Italian UNESCO site of the Vineyard landscape of Piedmont Region
A potential reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by up to 32.4% can be achieved through the adoption of energy efficiency measures across key economic sectors within the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Piedmont's Vineyard Landscape, according to a new study. The research employs a simplified bottom-up approach, analyzing case studies in residential, accommodation, private transport, and food industry sectors to estimate CO2 savings under varying diffusion scenarios. This demonstrates that targeted decarbonization actions can significantly contribute to mitigating global warming, with the methodology offering a replicable framework for similar contexts. The findings underscore the importance of regional and local databases in assessing emission savings potential.
I ciabòt del sito UNESCO Langhe-Roero e Monferrato: problematiche di conservazione delle architetture rurali fragili quali componenti storico-culturali dei paesaggi vitivinicoli
Eight years after its UNESCO recognition, the Vineyard Landscape of Piedmont: Langhe-Roero and Monferrato has seen limited progress in preserving its fragile rural architecture, particularly the 'ciabòt,' which are critical to the site's historical and cultural identity. Despite updates to planning tools and declarations of notable cultural interest following the 2017 Regional Landscape Plan, conservation efforts remain insufficient to address the challenges of maintaining this heritage. The study evaluates the effectiveness of these measures, highlighting gaps in culturally sustainable development strategies for such landscapes.
La mise en valeur du territoire, au-delà de la candidature à l'UNESCO : éléments de qualité résiduelle.
Research identifies the 'ciabòt,' a traditional Italian rural building, as a potential catalyst for experiential tourism and territorial development. These structures, similar to French 'cabotes,' support agricultural work but have been overlooked in contemporary landscape valorization efforts. The study analyzes two UNESCO World Heritage Sites—Vineyard Landscape of Piedmont (Langhe-Roero and Monferrato) and Climats of Burgundy—to compare territorial dynamics, protection approaches, and development strategies. By focusing on residual quality elements like the ciabòt, the research suggests that integrating these underutilized architectural features into tourism could enhance local identity, economic value, and cultural preservation while fostering sustainable rural development.
The Open Landslide Project (OLP), a New Inventory of Shallow Landslides for Susceptibility Models: The Autumn 2019 Extreme Rainfall Event in the Langhe-Monferrato Region (Northwestern Italy)
A comprehensive inventory of over 3,000 shallow landslides triggered by extreme rainfall in the Langhe-Monferrato region (Northwestern Italy) during autumn 2019 reveals that areas with lower rainfall intensity experienced a higher frequency of landslides compared to regions with peak rainfall. This counterintuitive finding is attributed to the differential response of lithological composition to rainfall, highlighting complex interactions between precipitation patterns and geological factors. The study introduces the Open Landslide Project (OLP), an open-source, multisatellite imagery-based inventory designed for geostatistical analysis and landslide risk management. Validated through rigorous criteria and statistical models—including multivariate correlation and Double Pareto probability density function—the OLP demonstrates its effectiveness in susceptibility modeling via binary logistic regression. This research advances the understanding of landslide dynamics in anthropized climates, offering a valuable tool for future risk assessment.
Turismo culturale in Langhe, Monferrato e Roero: paesaggio, enogastronomia e letteratura in Turistica. Italian Journal of Tourism
Cultural tourism in the UNESCO-listed Vineyard Landscape of Piedmont (Langhe-Roero and Monferrato) is increasingly valued for its multidimensional appeal, yet local perceptions remain static. While residents prioritize landscape-linked experiences—such as food, wine, and heritage—as key attractions, their representations of cultural tourism are traditional and unchanging. The SPOT project, funded by the European Commission (2020–2022), analyzed this disconnect to assess how cultural tourism can serve as a resilience vector for disadvantaged regions post-pandemic. Using a case study approach across 15 European sites—including Piedmont—the research highlights the tension between dynamic global tourism trends and local narratives, suggesting that deeper engagement with landscape-based storytelling could enhance destination promotion.
Assessment of the Terraced Landscapes’ Integrity: A GIS-Based Approach in a Potential GIAHS-FAO Site (Northwest Piedmont, Italy)
A terraced vineyard landscape in Northwest Piedmont, Italy, retains 70.16% of its historical integrity, making it a strong candidate for the GIAHS-FAO program. This assessment, conducted using a GIS-based approach with aerial imagery from 1954–1968 and 2018 data, revealed that vineyard abandonment and the introduction of non-traditional techniques (e.g., espaliers) and new crops (e.g., olive groves) threaten landscape preservation. The study highlights the need for future planning strategies to mitigate these changes while safeguarding the site's cultural and ecological value. This dynamic perspective offers a model for conserving similar agricultural landscapes globally.
Coevolution between Terraced Landscapes and Rural Communities: An Integrated Approach Using Expert-Based Assessment and Evaluation of Winegrowers’ Perceptions (Northwest Piedmont, Italy)
Terraced vineyard landscapes, while historically significant and culturally rich, face threats from abandonment and changing land use practices. A study on the UNESCO-listed Vineyard Landscape of Piedmont (Italy) reveals a strong alignment between expert-identified historical landscape elements—such as traditional stone-column-supported pergolas—and the perceptions of winegrowers, who overwhelmingly favor their conservation. The research employs an innovative integrated approach combining expert-based assessments with surveys of 49 winegrowers to analyze coevolutionary dynamics between terraced landscapes and rural communities. Findings indicate that while some traditional practices persist, modern techniques like espaliers and alternative land uses (e.g., olive groves) are emerging. This dual-methodology approach underscores the resilience and adaptive capacity of these landscapes, offering a replicable model for dynamic conservation strategies in similar contexts.
Mitigating visual impacts of built structures: the contribution of mayors in the collaborative managing of a UNESCO cultural landscape
A study identifies effective mitigation strategies for visual impacts of built structures on the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Vineyard Landscape of Piedmont: Langhe-Roero and Monferrato. Through qualitative research involving interviews and focus groups with mayors from ten municipalities, conducted in 2015 and 2020, the study highlights tools and policies that can enhance landscape planning and heritage management. These strategies aim to preserve the authenticity of the cultural landscape while supporting its long-term conservation. The research also emphasizes the role of mayors as key stakeholders in managing visual impacts and promoting sustainable scenarios for the landscape.
Planning sustainable tourism in UNESCO wine regions: the case of the Langhe-Roero and Monferrato area
Sustainable tourism planning in UNESCO World Heritage Sites requires coordinated governance to balance development with the preservation of cultural and natural assets. The study on the Vineyard Landscape of Piedmont (Langhe-Roero and Monferrato) reveals that while tourism can drive local growth, it risks overburdening infrastructure and degrading the very landscapes it aims to protect. To mitigate these challenges, the research advocates for an integrated multi-level governance framework that harmonizes existing planning tools, ensuring long-term sustainability without compromising heritage integrity.
Uno sguardo geografico sulla world heritage list: la territorializzazione della candidatura
A novel approach to studying UNESCO World Heritage Site (WHS) nominations reveals that the process involves a re-territorialization of local landscapes, driven by coalitions of territorial actors and the creation of new heritage representations. This study, focusing on the Piedmont vineyard landscapes in Italy, challenges traditional assessments by examining how global WHS discourses reshape local territories through new rules, policies, and identities. Unlike prior research that struggles to isolate the 'UNESCO effect,' this work highlights the dynamic interplay between international recognition and localized territorial transformations.
Group Analytic Hierarchy Process Sorting II Method: An Application to Evaluate the Economic Value of a Wine Region Landscape
A novel method, the Group Analytic Hierarchy Process Sorting II (GAHPSort II), has been developed to evaluate the economic attractiveness of landscapes within UNESCO World Heritage Sites. This approach optimizes multi-stakeholder evaluations by reducing the number of comparisons needed for large datasets, making it a valuable tool for landscape planning and management. Applied to the Vineyard Landscape of Piedmont in Italy, GAHPSort II combines economic indicators with GIS methods to support decision-making processes. The method aims to aid policymakers in understanding complex cases and defining effective strategies for sustainable landscape management, particularly in the context of climate change.
Rethinking Terraces and Dry-Stone Walls in the Alps for Sustainable Development: The Case of Mombarone/Alto Eporediese in Piedmont Region (Italy)
Agricultural terraces and dry-stone walls in the Mombarone/Alto Eporediese region of Piedmont, Italy, are being repurposed as key elements for sustainable development. These terraced landscapes, once partially abandoned, now serve as a unique environmental heritage that fosters a sense of place and supports innovative solutions within a green, soft, and inclusive economy. Local institutions and stakeholders engaged in projects like the Strategic Plan 'Dalla Dora al Mombarone' and the European Interreg Alcotra project 'Vi.A.- Route of Alpine Vineyards' have played a pivotal role in this transformation. By leveraging social and territorial science, these initiatives aim to resemantize terraces as local resources, contributing to sustainable development while transcending traditional practices.
Social Representations about Cultural Tourism in the Time of COVID-19: A Case Study of Langhe, Monferrato and Roero (Italy)
During the COVID-19 pandemic, cultural tourism in Italy's UNESCO-listed Piedmont vineyard landscapes—Langhe-Roero and Monferrato—experienced a significant decline in activities and travel. A study found that residents viewed local cultural tourism as static, while tourists were primarily drawn to gastronomic and wine experiences. The research, part of an international collaborative project, surveyed residents, tourists, and tourism professionals, revealing widespread disruptions across all groups due to the pandemic's impact on travel and cultural engagement.
Territori resilienti e paesaggi digitali: il turismo culturale nelle Langhe, Roero e Monferrato
Cultural tourism emerges as a key driver of resilience for the UNESCO-listed vineyard landscapes of Piedmont, Italy. The study highlights how digital promotion strategies can amplify the region's tangible and intangible heritage, including its renowned food and wine traditions. Conducted in 2020, this research explores how digital reputation influences territorial resilience, offering insights into leveraging cultural assets for sustainable development. By analyzing perceptions of cultural tourism, the findings underscore its potential to revitalize rural landscapes while preserving their unique identity.
Cultural landscape and living heritage in the Vineyard Landscape of Langhe-Roero and Monferrato
Power imbalances between experts and non-experts shape heritage narratives, often excluding diverse perspectives from the preservation of cultural landscapes. This study highlights how legal frameworks like UNESCO’s World Heritage Convention and the European Landscape Convention, alongside local stakeholder views, can diverge in their articulation of heritage values. Using Italy’s UNESCO-listed vineyard landscape of Langhe-Roero and Monferrato as a case study, researchers found that participatory methodologies—such as consultation and negotiation—could foster more inclusive heritage management by empowering stakeholders to redefine preservation practices. The research involved documentary analysis and interviews with professionals, locals, and women wine producers, revealing that engaging multiple voices could bridge gaps in heritage interpretation while acknowledging inherent conflicts.
Cultural landscapes: exploring local people's understanding of cultural practices as “heritage”
World Heritage designation for cultural landscapes, such as the vineyard landscape of Piedmont (Italy), risks reinforcing top-down heritage narratives that prioritize 'outstanding universal values' while marginalizing local voices and diverse practices. This study reveals that official recognition often excludes other meaningful values, memories, and community perspectives, thereby limiting inclusive engagement in decision-making processes. The research employs qualitative analysis to explore how residents perceive and articulate heritage significance, challenging the assumption that UNESCO criteria capture the full spectrum of landscape meanings. It highlights a disconnect between global heritage standards and local lived experiences, raising questions about whose narratives shape cultural identity and whether communities desire active participation in shaping their heritage's future.
Possible Sustainable Measures to Recover the Tourism Sector after the COVID-19 Crisis
The tourism sector, already resilient but facing unprecedented challenges due to COVID-19, can recover through sustainable measures that leverage global best practices and stakeholder collaboration. This study identifies replicable strategies for reviving tourist destinations like Lake Como, the Vineyard Landscape of Piedmont (Langhe-Roero and Monferrato), and the Amalfi Coast by analyzing historical trends, local governance, and stakeholder insights. It proposes a multidisciplinary approach integrating planning, business management, and tourism governance to mitigate long-term economic damage. Key recommendations include rapid academic and public sector intervention, safe travel protocols, and cross-sector partnerships to restore industry growth.
Prevalence of Flavescence Dorée Phytoplasma-Infected Scaphoideus titanus in Different Vineyard Agroecosystems of Northwestern Italy
Research reveals that the prevalence of Flavescence dorée (FD) phytoplasma-infected Scaphoideus titanus, a key vector in vineyard ecosystems, is significantly higher outside cultivated vineyards (up to 48%) compared to inside them (up to 34%). The study, conducted across seven diverse sites in Piedmont, Italy, also found that the abundance of these vectors decreases sharply from late July onwards, particularly within vineyard boundaries. Analyzing yellow sticky trap collections over two months in 2015, scientists correlated vector population levels, infection rates, and disease prevalence in both cultivated and wild Vitis plants with landscape features. The findings suggest that wild compartments play a critical role in the epidemiology of FD, with infection rates increasing throughout the season in both environments.
UNESCO’s tangible and intangible cultural heritage: Sustainable development perspectives
A significant finding of this study is the identification and development of the relationship between tangible and intangible heritage as essential, interconnected resources for sustainable development. The research examines two illustrative UNESCO application paths: the recognition of The Vineyard Landscape of Piedmont: Langhe-Roero and Monferrato as a Cultural Landscape of World Heritage under the 1972 Convention, and the inscription of The Celebration of Celestinian Forgiveness in the Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage under the 2003 Convention. By analyzing these case studies, the study advances an interdisciplinary reflection on safeguarding, enhancing, and increasing accessibility of cultural heritage. It derives insights into living within organic landscapes, collective identities, inclusive places, sociability, communicative restitution, participatory management, and integrated sustainability.
Women’s representation and participation in UNESCO heritage discourse
Research reveals that women remain marginalized in the discourse and decision-making processes surrounding UNESCO World Heritage Sites, despite gender equality being a priority for inclusive development. Focusing on the Vineyard Landscape of Piedmont (Italy), the study finds that dominant heritage narratives are often male-driven, which may hinder women's participation. Through interviews with local female wine producers, it compares official heritage discourses with women's perceptions of their role in shaping identity and heritage. The findings suggest that lack of representation influences women's willingness to engage in managing heritage that does not reflect their values, raising questions about the desired forms of participation for greater inclusivity.
Landscape Economic Attractiveness: An Integrated Methodology for Exploring the Rural Landscapes in Piedmont (Italy)
Researchers developed an integrated methodology to measure the economic attractiveness of rural landscapes, specifically applying it to two UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Piedmont, Italy: the Moraine Amphitheatre of Ivrea and the vineyard landscape of Langhe-Roero and Monferrato. The study introduced a synthetic index—Landscape Economic Attractiveness Index (LEAI)—derived from a system of landscape indicators, which was then integrated into a dynamic model to assess its role in human mobility across multi-pole systems. This approach provides actionable insights for policymakers aiming to guide landscape and territorial transformations while preserving cultural and environmental integrity. The methodology offers a framework for evaluating rural landscapes' economic potential, supporting sustainable development strategies.
Un Approccio Integrato per la Misurazione dei Valori e Delle Pressioni dei Paesaggi Vitivinicoli del Piemonte
An integrated evaluation methodology has been developed to measure the values and pressures within the UNESCO-listed Vineyard Landscape of Piedmont, specifically the Langhe-Roero and Monferrato regions. This approach assesses both the economic value of the territory and the pressures exerted on its components through a system of indicators. The methodology provides a reliable tool for decision-making in defining territorial transformation scenarios, offering a comprehensive framework to balance economic and environmental considerations in this culturally significant landscape.
Turismo enogastronomico nella Langa del Barolo: indagine presso i ristoratori
Restaurant managers in the Langa del Barolo region, part of Italy's UNESCO-listed Vineyard Landscape of Piedmont, highly value and accept initiatives aimed at promoting wine and food tourism. The study found that traditional word-of-mouth recommendations remain influential but are increasingly supplemented by digital interactions via social media, which significantly expands global reach and engagement with tourists. This highlights the dual importance of local authenticity and modern digital tools in shaping enogastronomic tourism experiences.
You are here:
World Heritage Explorer > World Heritage Research > World Heritage Sites > Vineyard Landscape of Piedmont: Langhe-Roero and Monferrato