“I can’t think about nature right now”: perceptions of territorial fragility and the acceptance of nature-based solutions in the Simeto Valley (Italy): a participatory approach

Marginal regions in Europe are increasingly exposed to environmental degradation and socio-economic decline. This study investigates how these dynamics are perceived by local communities in the Simeto Valley, an Italian inner area, and examines whether Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) are understood and accepted as viable responses to such fragilities. To this end, the study combines different methodological approaches, integrating participatory action research with GIS mapping, and qualitative data gathered from focus groups. Key findings reveal that communities identify multiple and interdependent environmental fragilities such as land degradation, water scarcity, floods, landslides, fires, compounded by poor resource management and unsustainable practices. Unsafe roads on degraded terrains highlight the community’s precarious position in the face of extreme weather events. These environmental challenges are closely linked to socio-political issues, including a lack of public services, limited educational opportunities, and a growing sense of abandonment by governmental institutions. Despite their promise, findings underscore a significant gap in community awareness and acceptance of NBS, emphasizing the need for targeted educational and participatory initiatives. This research highlights the value of integrating community perspectives into environmental management and development strategies. By addressing environmental and socio-economic fragilities simultaneously, it advocates for resilient and sustainable approaches tailored to the unique needs of marginal regions.