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FrancoAngeli Journals

Papers

No. 3 (2026)

Convivial conservation, ecomuseums and community of practice: The case of the Ecomuseo delle Erbe Palustri in Villanova.

  • Carolina Pascali
  • Andrea Zinzani
DOI
https://doi.org/10.3280/rgioa3-2026oa23547
Submitted
agosto 26, 2026
Published
2026-10-05

Abstract

Within debates in geography and the social sciences on heritage, ecomuseums have increasingly been analysed as multidimensional socio-spatial entities encompassing a wide range of dimensions, including community, educational, socio-political, and environmental aspects. In this regard, they have often been recognised as promoters of narratives and practices capable of transcending the dualistic perspective that positions society and nature as separate and opposing spheres. Building on the need to move beyond this dualism, and drawing on a dialogue between the literature on convivial conservation and critical heritage studies, this paper explores the potential prerequisites for the development of convivial management approaches within ecomuseums. It focuses on the heritage context of the Ecomuseo delle Erbe Palustri in Villanova di Bagnacavallo (Ravenna, Italy). Employing an ethnographic approach, the study examines the strategies adopted by the ecomuseum community and other stakeholders involved in the process of local territorial transformation. The findings highlight both the opportunities and, more importantly, the limitations inherent in efforts to foster a sense of community at the local level.

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