Social, Economic and Ecological Impacts of the Custonaci Marble Sector

This research seeks to analyse and interpret the marble-rich territory of Custonaci to gain a deep understanding of the transformations occurring at social, economic, and environmental levels. Intensive extractive practices have, over time, markedly reshaped the region's natural, cultural, and economic dimensions, leading to substantial and increasingly ingrained alterations in its morphological and ecological profile. The primary objective of this research is to analyse the reasons that contribute to make the marble sector, in Italy and more specifically in Sicily and in Custonaci (TP), a sector with major problems. To comprehensively capture the perspectives of various stakeholders, this study gathered testimonies from residents, including those employed within the marble industry across different roles, as well as individuals in other professional sectors. Laws regulating the sectors, in an environmental level and workers’ rights have an important impact on this research, allowing an even more completed comprehension of the different layers that regulate the sector. Furthermore, an alternative use of abandoned quarries is outlined. The comparison with other case studies has allowed the identification of weaknesses and strengths in order to design a project that can be truly applied in the Custonaci area. The overall objective is to reconceptualise the extractive landscapes of Custonaci in order to achieve sustainable development based on a harmonious integration of social, economic and environmental priorities.