The research investigates the relationship between archaeological practices, local communities, and decision-making processes in the Area Interna Appennino Reggiano, with the aim of understanding how archaeological heritage is perceived, valued, and managed within a territorial context marked by demographic fragility, institutional complexity, and identity heterogeneity. The work is framed within the field of public archaeology and is based on the assumption that cultural heritage acquires full meaning only through the interaction among institutions, researchers, and communities, in accordance with the principles expressed in the Faro Convention. The dissertation addresses this topic by combining a review of participatory practices and the relationship between archaeology and territory with an articulated empirical investigation centred on three representative archaeological sites in the district: Campo Pianelli (Castelnovo ne’ Monti), San Michele di Valestra (Carpineti), and Rocca di Minozzo (Villa Minozzo). These sites were selected for their different management histories, the varying intensity of valorisation activities, and the specific relationships developed with the neighbouring communities. From a methodological perspective, the study adopts a mixed and progressive approach, articulated through semi-structured interviews with supra-local and local stakeholders, questionnaires administered both to resident communities and to participants in public outreach events, and community-based focus groups designed to explore dynamics of perception, shared narratives, and expectations regarding heritage valorisation. The methodology, described in the operational framework of the dissertation, was constructed to enable a multi-level analysis of decision-making processes, the values attributed to the sites, and the governance models currently in place. Data analysis reveals that, despite a general convergence in recognising the cultural, identity-related, and scientific value of archaeological assets, deep asymmetries persist in how the role of research is perceived and in the assessment of territorial priorities. The interviews highlight divergences between supra-local bodies, local administrations, and communities, particularly in their understanding of public interest in archaeology, perceptions of degradation risk, and the degree of community involvement deemed desirable or feasible. The questionnaires show heterogeneous levels of site knowledge, an interest that is often episodic and linked to outreach activities, and variable participation in valorisation processes. The focus groups, through a comparative analysis of the three communities, reveal the presence of “cognitive bubbles”, distinct interpretative systems that differently shape expectations and representations of heritage. The integration of results led to the formalisation of the Theory of Comprehensive Planning, the main theoretical contribution of the dissertation. The theory proposes an interpretative model capable of: (1) systematically describing the factors that influence the planning of archaeological sites in inner areas; (2) integrating structural dimensions (governance, institutional roles, coordination) with cultural dimensions (values, belonging, community narratives); (3) overcoming organisational fragmentation through negotiated and iterative processes; (4) redefining the relationship between communities, institutions, and research according to principles of intelligent cooperation. From this theoretical framework derives a governance model that outlines negotiable parameters and the necessary conditions for a more effective, inclusive, and sustainable management of archaeological heritage in inner areas. Finally, the dissertation provides operational guidelines and applied perspectives for territorial institutions, proposing a transferable model for similar contexts.
La ricerca indaga il rapporto tra pratiche archeologiche, comunità locali e processi decisionali nell’Area Interna Appennino Reggiano, con l’obiettivo di comprendere come il patrimonio archeologico venga percepito, valorizzato e gestito in un contesto territoriale caratterizzato da fragilità demografica, complessità istituzionale e eterogeneità identitaria. Il lavoro di ricerca si colloca nel quadro dell’archeologia pubblica e si basa sull’assunto che il patrimonio culturale acquisisca pieno significato solo attraverso l’interazione tra enti, ricercatori e comunità, secondo i principi espressi dalla Convenzione di Faro. La tesi affronta questo tema combinando una ricognizione sulle pratiche partecipative e sulla relazione tra archeologia e territorio con un’articolata indagine empirica centrata su tre siti archeologici rappresentativi del distretto: Campo Pianelli (Castelnovo ne’ Monti), San Michele di Valestra (Carpineti) e Rocca di Minozzo (Villa Minozzo). Questi siti sono stati selezionati per la loro differente storia gestionale, per la diversa intensità delle attività di valorizzazione e per le specifiche relazioni instaurate con le comunità limitrofe. Dal punto di vista metodologico, il lavoro adotta un approccio misto e progressivo, articolato in interviste semistrutturate agli stakeholder sovraterritoriali e locali, questionari rivolti sia alle comunità residenti sia ai partecipanti ad eventi di divulgazione, e focus group comunitari finalizzati a esplorare dinamiche di percezione, narrazioni condivise e aspettative verso la valorizzazione del patrimonio. La metodologia, descritta nel quadro operativo della tesi, è costruita per consentire un'analisi multilivello dei processi decisionali, dei valori attribuiti ai siti e dei modelli di governance esistenti. L’elaborazione dei dati rivela che, nonostante una generale convergenza nel riconoscimento del valore culturale, identitario e scientifico dei beni archeologici, persistono profonde asimmetrie nella percezione del ruolo della ricerca e nella valutazione delle priorità territoriali. Le interviste mostrano divergenze tra enti sovraterritoriali, amministrazioni locali e comunità, in particolare nella lettura dell’interesse pubblico verso l’archeologia, nella percezione del rischio di degrado e nel grado di coinvolgimento reputato auspicabile o possibile. I questionari evidenziano livelli eterogenei di conoscenza dei siti, un interesse spesso episodico e legato ad attività divulgative, e una partecipazione variabile ai processi di valorizzazione. I focus group, attraverso un’analisi comparativa delle tre comunità, mettono in luce la presenza di "bolle cognitive", ovvero sistemi interpretativi distinti che orientano in modo differenziato le aspettative e le rappresentazioni del patrimonio. L’integrazione dei risultati ha portato alla formalizzazione della Teoria della Pianificazione Comprensiva, principale contributo teorico della tesi. La teoria propone un modello interpretativo capace di: (1) descrivere sistematicamente i fattori che condizionano la pianificazione dei siti archeologici in aree interne; (2) integrare aspetti strutturali (governance, ruoli istituzionali, coordinamento) e aspetti culturali (valori, appartenenza, narrazioni comunitarie); (3) superare le frammentazioni organizzative attraverso processi negoziati e iterativi; (4) ridefinire il rapporto tra comunità, istituzioni e ricerca secondo logiche di cooperazione intelligente. Da questa cornice teorica deriva un modello di governance che delinea parametri in negoziazione e condizioni necessarie per una gestione più efficace, inclusiva e sostenibile del patrimonio archeologico nelle aree interne. La tesi fornisce infine indicazioni operative e prospettive applicative utili agli enti territoriali, proponendo un modello esportabile in altri contesti caratterizzati dalle medesime criticità strutturali e opportunità culturali.
Fragilità territoriale e pratiche archeologiche: comunità e ricerca nell’area interna dell’Appennino Reggiano
GARBASI, Francesco
2026
Abstract
The research investigates the relationship between archaeological practices, local communities, and decision-making processes in the Area Interna Appennino Reggiano, with the aim of understanding how archaeological heritage is perceived, valued, and managed within a territorial context marked by demographic fragility, institutional complexity, and identity heterogeneity. The work is framed within the field of public archaeology and is based on the assumption that cultural heritage acquires full meaning only through the interaction among institutions, researchers, and communities, in accordance with the principles expressed in the Faro Convention. The dissertation addresses this topic by combining a review of participatory practices and the relationship between archaeology and territory with an articulated empirical investigation centred on three representative archaeological sites in the district: Campo Pianelli (Castelnovo ne’ Monti), San Michele di Valestra (Carpineti), and Rocca di Minozzo (Villa Minozzo). These sites were selected for their different management histories, the varying intensity of valorisation activities, and the specific relationships developed with the neighbouring communities. From a methodological perspective, the study adopts a mixed and progressive approach, articulated through semi-structured interviews with supra-local and local stakeholders, questionnaires administered both to resident communities and to participants in public outreach events, and community-based focus groups designed to explore dynamics of perception, shared narratives, and expectations regarding heritage valorisation. The methodology, described in the operational framework of the dissertation, was constructed to enable a multi-level analysis of decision-making processes, the values attributed to the sites, and the governance models currently in place. Data analysis reveals that, despite a general convergence in recognising the cultural, identity-related, and scientific value of archaeological assets, deep asymmetries persist in how the role of research is perceived and in the assessment of territorial priorities. The interviews highlight divergences between supra-local bodies, local administrations, and communities, particularly in their understanding of public interest in archaeology, perceptions of degradation risk, and the degree of community involvement deemed desirable or feasible. The questionnaires show heterogeneous levels of site knowledge, an interest that is often episodic and linked to outreach activities, and variable participation in valorisation processes. The focus groups, through a comparative analysis of the three communities, reveal the presence of “cognitive bubbles”, distinct interpretative systems that differently shape expectations and representations of heritage. The integration of results led to the formalisation of the Theory of Comprehensive Planning, the main theoretical contribution of the dissertation. The theory proposes an interpretative model capable of: (1) systematically describing the factors that influence the planning of archaeological sites in inner areas; (2) integrating structural dimensions (governance, institutional roles, coordination) with cultural dimensions (values, belonging, community narratives); (3) overcoming organisational fragmentation through negotiated and iterative processes; (4) redefining the relationship between communities, institutions, and research according to principles of intelligent cooperation. From this theoretical framework derives a governance model that outlines negotiable parameters and the necessary conditions for a more effective, inclusive, and sustainable management of archaeological heritage in inner areas. Finally, the dissertation provides operational guidelines and applied perspectives for territorial institutions, proposing a transferable model for similar contexts.I documenti in SFERA sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
