Custodian Communities and Land Care for the Future

The lockdown due to Covid-19, the Russian-Ukrainian war and climate emergency have all undermined the foundations of a highly globalised economy, demonstrating the need for new and alternative ways of development to increase economic and social welfare. In this complex and fragile scenario, Design can contribute to a change of paradigm, providing visions, strategies, services and products that are able to lead to a more sustainable future, supported by a deglobalised and territorial economic model, closer to nature and for nature itself. One example is the Interreg Maritime IT-FR CamBio VIA project where the contribution of Design—in synergy with a multidisciplinary partnership—has made it possible to enhance rural communities actively involved in livestock farming and in the production of handmade and high-quality food. These communities that we call ‘Custodian Communities’ can evolve from small and local manufacturers to a network of developing enterprises through a Design Thinking approach. The communities can develop as a sort of widespread ‘industry 5.0’ thanks to user-centred strategies and digital technologies, still keeping artisan and human centric features but, at the same time, being digitally evolved, resilient, sustainable and able to produce additional value both for production and for environmental enhancement. The essay aims to provide an overview of the role of Design in the Interreg project and will be structured as follows: Introduction; The role of Design and the strategies adopted; Elements for a stable paradigm shift of local economies; Impact on the local area and community; Future opportunities.