Sustainable Private Law tools for regeneration of abandoned properties in Sicily. Cases and models

Abstract

This paper aims to explore the connection between the concept of sustainable development and urban regeneration as a strategic tool for promoting inclusive city development. The objective is to identify potential sustainable private law instruments through the analysis of case studies concerning the regeneration of abandoned properties in Sicily. The first part of this essay (sections 2 - 3) examines the scientific and regulatory framework, providing the reference context for the present study. Specifically, the concepts of sustainability and the circular economy are explored, as well as their role in urban development, also focusing on limiting land consumption. Throughout this analysis, the importance of linking environmental resources – particularly the soil – to the debated concept of “common goods” becomes evident. In this regard, an investigation into the concept of the “commons” and its salient features is conducted (section 4) with a specific focus on soil and its implications for private property. Additionally, the concept of urban regeneration is proposed as a tool for promoting economic growth while preserving environmental quality and fostering social cohesion (section 5). Despite the wide availability of literature on the topic, we want to concentrate on the relationship between sustainable development goals and urban regeneration. This paper aims to present the urban regeneration ex- periences implemented in Gangi, Cammarata and Favara, which are three small villages in Sicily. The project, known as ‘Case a 1 euro’ (Houses for 1 euro), was launched in 2009 with the objective of preserving abandoned properties in these Sicilian municipalities by putting them up for sale at the symbolic price of 1 euro. Although the interventions and policy choices adopted cannot always be intended as destined for commons because, more often as in Gangi and Cammarata, they relate to private properties, they nevertheless still have some effects on the commons. Since this strategy has been adopted by other municipalities in Italy and has become a model for revitalizing declining communities, our goal is to explore the functioning of the program, analyze the contractual schemes and determine the involved parties and their rights and obligations.