Community-driven heritage preservation in mountainous regions: a comparative study of Italy and China

Abstract Small mountain villages facing depopulation and economic issues are a common challenge in advanced economies. This work examines recent measures for sustaining rural areas through revitalisation policies focused on economic development, environmental protection, and cultural heritage preservation. Two cases are compared: Vogogna in Piedmont, Italy, and Songyang County in China. The analysis highlights the impact of policies adopted by both countries to combat the decline of small villages. Community involvement has emerged as a key factor in addressing population loss and revitalising local economies. In both cases, heritage conservation plays a crucial role in reinforcing community identity, while protecting the built environment preserves the memory and spirit of the place. Citizens-based initiatives, supported by national laws for financing cultural projects and specialised agencies for coordinated sustainable actions, demonstrate the importance of engaging local communities in revitalisation efforts, emphasising the shared challenges and solutions in similar global contexts.