Lecco province and Calabria showcase Italy's fight against demographic decline

In the province of Lecco, births fell below 2,000 for the first time in 80 years, with the fertility rate dropping from 1.5 in 2015 to 1.17 in the latest year. Experts highlighted historic post‑war baby booms and recent immigration‑driven spikes, but warned that school enrolments could fall by about 30% by 2030. Regional authorities said Lombardy's resource‑distribution plan will protect vulnerable zones and keep schools operating.

In Calabria, the CasaPaese socio‑assistive housing project for people with dementia has become a model for reversing local depopulation. Founder Elena Sodano reported that the initiative created qualified jobs, attracted workers from abroad, spurred new businesses and boosted tourism in the small borough of Cicala. The project is featured in the national "Sud Vivo" campaign as an example of how welfare services can generate economic and demographic renewal in the South.