Recognition and Support of ICCAs in Italy

The concept of ICCA was introduced and first discussed in Italy during two workshops held in 2004 and 2005. The notion very well fits the tradition domestically known in terms of common properties (CPs) and ‘civic uses’ lands (proprietà colletive e demani civici), a category referring to lands and the natural resources used in common by a community. They include a diversity of governance solutions derived from their different historical recognition. CPs and civic uses lands in Italy achieved recognition under agricultural law and were particularly associated to the agro-forestry and pastoral sector. They have been subject to regulations of restrictions on change of land use and protected by provisions of inalienability and indivisibility. As environmental concern grew in the country, they also progressively acquired legal features associated to the environmental protection sector.