Marche earthquake recovery: focus shifts to economic and social stability

Ten years after the devastating 2016 earthquakes in the Marche region, specifically within the provinces of Macerata, Fermo, and Ascoli Piceno, local organizations are highlighting the ongoing struggle to maintain the social and economic fabric of internal areas.

Agricultural and livestock businesses have relied heavily on emergency structures to remain operational. Coldiretti reports that 357 companies still utilize essential modules, including barns and rural housing, which were originally intended as temporary measures. The organization is now requesting the ability to purchase these structures to ensure long-term business continuity and prevent the abandonment of mountain territories.

Labor unions, including Uil Marche, emphasize that physical reconstruction of buildings is insufficient for regional recovery. They warn that many reconstructed properties are being used as second homes rather than permanent residences, failing to repopulate the area. To prevent a permanent exodus of the younger generation, unions are calling for development policies centered on stable, high-quality employment, sustainable local supply chains, and fiscal incentives to support both industry and agriculture.