The Transition to a Circular Economy in High Mountain Regions: A Delphi Survey on Valle d'Aosta, Italy

In nature, everything is born, grows, and dies in continuous cycles. Everything, even after death, becomes a resource for new life. In this context, human activities based solely on a linear economy model seem unsustainable: a new economic paradigm is needed. The present work explores a new approach to sustainable development in high mountain regions, focusing on the transition toward a circular economy model in Valle d'Aosta, Italy. We analyze its strengths and weaknesses, as well as the strategies and policies needed to support it. The work is based on a qualitative methodological approach, ie a Policy Delphi investigation, among stakeholders. The results show that a mountainous region, such as Valle d'Aosta, has specific natural, economic, and social characteristics that are well suited to a circular economy. However, our findings also indicate that before a circular economy can be realized, a cultural change must take place, driven by the implementation of specific actions.