International event in Cisternino addresses rural depopulation

The town of Cisternino hosted an international event from October 23 to 25, 2026, focused on territorial regeneration and the challenges facing small villages. The gathering served as a multicultural hub to discuss strategies for combating depopulation through concepts such as 'restanza' (the choice to stay), returning to ancestral homes, and digital nomadism.

Key discussions centered on the necessity of essential services, including mobility, healthcare, and cultural growth, to make small centers viable for long-term living and working. The event featured participation from national experts and international delegations from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Lebanon, Croatia, Turkey, and Slovenia, who shared strategic visions and best practices for regional revitalization.