Apulia agro-biodiversity between rediscovery and conservation: the case of the «Salento km0» network

Abstract

Green Revolution and the birth of the current global economic system had two opposite, subsequent effects. If, initially, they led to processes of crop homogenization, seasonal adjustment, homogenization of the landscape and markets standardization, they have subsequently pushed local communities towards a recovery of endemic biodiversity at risk of extinction because of such planetary processes, as well as a fundamental element in terms of local development, food security and sovereignty and reduction of environmental impacts. Starting from these instances of recovery and protection, which are increasingly taking place in Apulia, this work will examine both projects created "from above" and initiatives "from below", being the latter the result of a new consciousness that renews social cohesion and gives new value to the territorial milieu. In this regard, the case of the Salento km0 network will be examined: born in 2011 and now made up of 61 local subjects including producers, restaurateurs, associations, ethical purchasing groups and traditional stores, which represent a key symbol of a territory that resists and a population that has chosen to stay and innovate according to economic, social, cultural and environmental sustainability.