C’entro. Together for the earthquake-affected areas

C’entro. Together for the earthquake-affected areas is a project launched in 2022 by CSV Marche Ets, aimed at supporting the inner areas of the Marche region struck by the 2016 earthquake.

The project focuses on:

• listening to local communities and mapping their needs
• strengthening the local nonprofit sector and youth engagement
• promoting the natural and cultural heritage of the region
• offering training on co-planning and co-design to foster collaboration between Third Sector organizations and public administrations

Activities are developed annually across three main areas:

• community building – meetings and workshops developed in dialogue with local administrations, addressing the social reconstruction of the earthquake zone and the role of the Third Sector
• training – support for youth-led associations and new initiatives through meetings, advanced seminars (in collaboration with Marche Universities), school-based labs, and participatory training
• local engagement – cultural, sports, and tourism events that promote local associations, often organized in partnership with CSV Marche and involving local nonprofits

Looking ahead
The project has highlighted the crucial role of the Third Sector in reviving earthquake-affected areas that are facing depopulation, lack of services, and social decline. To reverse this trend:

• social reconstruction must go hand in hand with rebuilding infrastructure
• digital tools can help make these beautiful but fragile areas more appealing, especially to younger generations
• collaboration between nonprofits and institutions is essential to design effective social regeneration strategies

CSV Marche Ets is committed to continuing this effort with determination and care, alongside all the local stakeholders involved.