Calabria faces structural crisis due to depopulation

The region of Calabria is facing a structural demographic crisis characterized by the progressive abandonment of its internal areas. This phenomenon is evidenced by numerous abandoned historical centers, including Avena, Laino Castello Vecchio, Roghudi Vecchio, Africo Vecchio, Pentedattilo, Amendolea, Brancaleone Vecchio, and Nardodipace Vecchio.

The decline is driven by a combination of factors: natural disasters such as earthquakes, floods, and landslides; widespread emigration; and the concentration of essential services and economic activities in larger urban centers. This creates a cycle where population loss increases territorial vulnerability, as fewer residents lead to reduced land maintenance and diminished capacity to manage environmental risks.