The Alba White Truffle Festival and Preserving Cultural Heritage

Summary This case study explores the Alba White Truffle Festival, an internationally recognized heritage event rooted in the centuries-old tradition of truffle hunting in Italy’s Piedmont region. While the festival brings significant cultural and economic value, it also faces growing challenges due to over-commercialization, climate change, and fragmented authorities. Drawing from academic literature and sustainability models, the study outlines the main risks and mitigation strategies related to cultural continuity, environmental degradation, and stakeholder engagement. Through a set of actionable recommendations, it showcases how collaborative authority, ecological restoration, and local knowledge preservation can guide the festival towards a more sustainable future. The Alba case offers a valuable model for other events looking to balance tradition with adaptation in the face of global change. Its experience emphasizes the importance of proactive planning in protecting cultural landscapes under increasing global pressure.