by InTrieste
As climate change intensifies extreme weather events worldwide, the Italian region of Friuli Venezia Giulia has announced a robust funding allocation to shield communities from hydrogeological risks such as landslides and rockfalls. Fabio Scoccimarro, the region’s Councillor for Environmental Defense, declared a commitment of €2.36 million to prevention and mitigation measures, directing significant resources to local municipalities for both new infrastructure projects and critical maintenance of existing protections.
“We are constantly working on the prevention and mitigation of hydrogeological instability,” Mr. Scoccimarro said, noting that although zero risk is unattainable, the regional government aims to lessen the impact of natural disasters through proactive action.
The new funding, dedicated to the 2024–2026 period, emphasizes the importance of local infrastructure improvements, especially in areas where landslides and rockfalls have historically posed threats to residents and local economies. Under the region’s Geological Service, funds are being strategically directed based on assessments from local government funding requests and on-site inspections.
Where the Funds Will Go
Of the total allocation, €2.11 million will go to municipalities in high-risk areas. Projects include securing rock walls, stabilizing landslide-prone roads, and mitigating rockfall risks in a range of rural and semi-urban areas. Among the recipients:
- Faedis will receive funds to address landslide risks in Castellana Street, Campeglio area.
- Moggio Udinese will implement rock wall reinforcements along its roads in Ovedasso and Campiolo.
- Tarvisio will strengthen protections around the Alpe Adria bike path in Fusine in Valromana, a popular route for both locals and tourists.
- Tolmezzo will bolster protections on the slopes of Torre Picotta, while Venzone will add rockfall barriers in Pioverno.
A smaller, but essential, portion of the funding—€250,000—will focus on preventive maintenance for areas that already have some defense systems in place. This allocation will support smaller towns, including Cavazzo Carnico and Zuglio, with enhancements to road protections, landslide barriers, and other necessary upkeep for aging infrastructure.
Responding to Increasing Climate Threats
The increasing intensity of rainfall and storm events over recent years has brought urgent attention to the region’s natural landscape, which is characterized by mountainous terrain, fragile rock formations, and steep valleys prone to rapid erosion. Friuli Venezia Giulia’s latest investment is part of a broader movement among Italian regions to confront climate-related risks with dedicated local funding.
“We are being proactive in ensuring the safety of our communities,” said Mr. Scoccimarro, highlighting the administration’s emphasis on sustainable risk management.
A Long-Term Approach to Environmental Safety
With Italian officials warning that requests for environmental infrastructure funding are climbing, Mr. Scoccimarro noted that additional proposals are under review and may be included in future allocations. More municipalities have submitted requests, which are currently being evaluated for funding inclusion based on criteria such as risk severity and population vulnerability.
As the frequency of severe weather rises across Europe, the spotlight on local efforts to curb environmental risks has never been sharper. Friuli Venezia Giulia’s initiative stands as a reminder that, while global solutions to climate change remain complex and contentious, local communities are making tangible strides in protecting their people and landscapes from its most immediate impacts.
