Post-earthquake reconstruction in the areas of the central Apennines is taking a new and innovative turn thanks to the use of wood as the main resource for a sustainable revival. This choice is part of a broader project that aims to bring back to life territories hit hard by earthquakes, focusing on materials that reflect a return to nature and greater respect for the environment.
Guido Castelli, the Extraordinary Commissioner for Reconstruction, recently introduced a fundamental ordinance that provides for a 10% increase in the contribution allocated to wooden building structures that are demolished and then rebuilt. This measure is not only an economic incentive, but represents the first institutional effort in Italy to systematically promote the use of wood in the construction sector. The choice of wood is guided by a series of environmental and economic considerations.
Firstly, wood is known for its excellent anti-seismic qualities. Its ability to absorb seismic energy without suffering significant damage makes it an ideal material in seismic contexts such as that of the central Apennines. Furthermore, its production and transformation require relatively low energy consumption, reducing the environmental impact of the entire construction process.
Support for the initiative was strong and unanimous, coming not only from the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty and Forestry, but also from various institutional representatives and trade associations. This collective endorsement highlights a common desire to push towards a more responsible and cohesive development model.
In addition to the technical and environmental aspects, the use of wood is directly linked to the objectives of economic sustainability and social cohesion. The wood supply chain, if managed sustainably, can undoubtedly contribute to local economic development, promoting employment and strengthening mountain communities thanks to new job opportunities.
This integrated vision is not just a question of construction techniques, but reflects a declared intention to enhance the value of areas that have been left behind, to make them more attractive and liveable, creating a virtuous cycle that aims at tourism along the paths and the enhancement of the natural beauty present in the areas affected by the earthquake.
The initiative promoted is a perfect example of how we can look to the future while preserving the cultural and natural heritage of the Apennines. Once again, reconstruction is not just a question of repairing what has been damaged, but an opportunity to rethink and reshape the architectural and social landscape in a sustainable and supportive way.
