Lucrezia Ciotti Depopulation can be stopped by offering up to 100 thousand euros to those who choose to fight it. The Autonomous Province of Trento is about to launch this new initiative with a contribution record to counteract the demographic decline of its small municipalities, as reported by the Courier.
The demographic decline in Trentino
The demographic decline in Trentino is a problem growing, mainly linked to the ageing population and low birth rate.
Many small municipalities, particularly in mountainous areas, are experiencing a progressive decrease in population, resulting in depopulation of rural areas. This phenomenon threatens the economic and social vitality of communities, with negative effects on services, infrastructure and development opportunities.
Projections indicate that by the 2040 the population will drop from approximately 543.000 to 522.000 inhabitants, recording a decrease of 3,8%, the lowest rate in Northern Italy after the province of Bolzano.
This process is determined by the reduction of birth rates and the increase in mortality. In 2022, the birth rate was 8,3%, while the mortality rate reached 9,9%, making Trentino the region with the highest mortality rate in Italy.
Contribution of up to 100 thousand euros for those who go to live in 33 municipalities of Trentino: here's what to do
The provincial council of Trento is preparing a list of small municipalities that will benefit from a contribution non-repayable grant for those who purchase and renovate a property. The project, with a financing about 10 million euro, will initially involve around twenty villages, which could become thirty-three.
The municipalities will be selected based on the demographic decline of the last ten years, which varies from -0,3% to 20%.
"It is a measure of social cohesion, to repopulate some municipalities. We are not asking for the ISEE, but that the renovators bring new active citizens to the territory. We are talking about very small 'marginal' municipalities, where the introduction of just five new family groups changes the life of a town", declares Ileana Olivo, provincial director of the mission unit that identified the territories.
In the 33 towns of Trentino, where there are many abandoned houses, those who renovate a property will also receive a contribution of up to 80 thousand euros on an expense of 200 thousand (up to 40% in the historic centers, 35% outside). Those who buy a house in these areas will also have a help of up to 20 thousand euros for the purchase, in addition to the contribution for the renovation.
The contributions are intended for those who purchase and renovate a property in one of the selected municipalities, with a maximum of three units per person. The beneficiary must not be a resident in the municipality, unless you are over 45. Applications will be collected in 3-4 month periods and grants will be paid out quickly, with work potentially starting by the end of the year.
Among the selected municipalities there would be localities in the Trentino valleys such as Val di Non, Val di Sole and Valsugana, but also more touristic areas such as Primiero and the ski area of San Martino di Castrozza.