Project duration: 03/2026 – 09/2026

Grantee: Associazione Biodistretto del Montalbano

In collaboration with: Scuola Nazionale Artigiani Pietra a Secco (ITLA Italia)

Location: Lamporecchio (PT) 

The Challenge

Dry stone walls (muretti a secco) are a defining feature of Tuscany’s rural landscape, playing a vital ecological role in preventing soil erosion, managing water runoff, and providing micro-habitats for local biodiversity. However, this ancient construction technique is rapidly disappearing due to a lack of generational knowledge transfer and a shortage of qualified local craftsmen. Without proper maintenance by skilled hands, thousands of kilometers of historic dry stone terraces across the Montalbano region risk collapse and permanent degradation. Furthermore, in an era of climate change, the vital connection between these stone structures and local water management is often overlooked. 

The Solution

This project directly addresses the loss of this artisanal heritage by organizing a professional and practical training course entirely dedicated to dry stone wall construction and restoration techniques in the Montalbano area. Organized by Tuscany Environment Foundation and Associazione Biodistretto del Montalbano, in collaboration with the instructors of International Terraced Landscapes Alliance (ITLA) Italia , the initiative revives an endangered traditional craft. Additionally, the project expands its ecological scope by integrating crucial educational focuses on water management, exploring why it is vital to start talking about water resilience in modern landscape conservation. 

Project Objectives & Deliverables

• Training: Train participants in traditional dry stone wall construction techniques
• Sustainable management: Improve the sustainable management of terraced agricultural landscapes and water resources
• Prevention: Strengthen hydrogeological risk prevention through practical, on-site interventions
• Opportunities: Offer professional specialization opportunities, with a specific focus on youth and the unemployed
• Recognition: Initiate institutional dialogue to secure formal recognition for the professional profile of dry stone craftsmen

Pathway 

1) Dry Stone Wall Construction Technique Course
The first phase is dedicated to both theoretical and practical training through classroom lectures and hands-on site activities to rebuild a dry stone retaining wall. The curriculum covers geology, construction techniques, safety, structural defects, drainage systems, and the analysis of the morphological and hydrogeological context.

2) Seminar on Water Management
A dedicated public seminar and study day focused on rainwater management, landscape analysis, and climate change adaptation strategies. This phase engages experts, public administrators, and citizens to foster the sharing of knowledge and best practices.

3) Dissemination and Awareness-Raising
The final phase aims to consolidate results through project documentation, the dissemination of content, and the strengthening of a local network of expertise. The initiative lays the groundwork for creating a permanent professional training path for dry stone construction in Tuscany.

Project Updates

• Watch all the videos to learn more about the ongoing project
  Special thanks to Giona Sapienza for the videos.

 

Long-term Impact

By restoring the local capacity to build and maintain dry stone structures, the project ensures the long-term stability and hydrogeological safety of Tuscany’s terraced agricultural landscapes. The return of these traditional skills helps mitigate the effects of extreme weather events, preserves historical rural identity, and supports biodiversity by maintaining network habitats. Furthermore, it establishes a repeatable educational model that can be scaled up to train future generations of landscape custodians across Italy.