The Vaia storm of late 2018 devastated the Val di Fiemme forest in northern Italy, a historically significant source of tonewood for musical instruments. Fabio Ognibeni of Ciresa and other local manufacturers are working to salvage the fallen spruce trees, known for their resonant properties, to continue the tradition of crafting high-quality string instruments. The storm caused extensive damage across the Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage site, but efforts are underway to repurpose the wood and support reforestation. Federico Stefani's start-up, Vaia Wood, is creating smartphone speakers from the timber and planting a tree for each product sold. Local craftsmen like Giorgio Leonardelli are also involved in these conservation efforts, ensuring the forest's legacy endures for future generations.

Monteviasco, a remote village in the Alpine foothills of Lombardy, Italy, remains isolated with only six permanent residents. The village, accessible only by a mule track, lost its cable car service in 2018 and faced further isolation after a 2020 landslide. The Carabinieri gendarmerie corps supplies essential goods to the residents. Despite the challenges, the community remains resilient, with locals like Augusto and Lucia Cassina deeply connected to the village. The only operating business, the restaurant Il Vecchio Circolo, continues to serve dedicated customers. The village's unique charm attracts tourists and former residents, helping to prevent complete depopulation.

Johannes Pleschberger explores the Alpine landscape, highlighting the significant changes due to climate change, such as shrinking glaciers and shifting pasturelands. The Mer de Glace glacier is under protection, and farmers adapt to earlier springs. The Alps' ridges, marking the border between Italy and Switzerland, are becoming mobile due to melting glaciers, complicating the demarcation of national boundaries. Swisstopo uses watersheds to define borders on glaciers, but as glaciers melt, the borders shift. The Rifugio Guide del Cervino, managed by Lucio Trucco, now straddles the border due to glacial retreat. Switzerland and Italy have recognized

The Piccola Cassia is an ancient Roman road that connects Emilia and Tuscany, offering a journey through historical sites, charming villages, and picturesque landscapes. The route, which was part of the Via Francigena, traverses regions known for their culinary delights and rich history. Key locations include Nonantola, Bazzano, Monteveglio, and Fanano, each with unique historical and cultural significance. The best time to travel is from spring to autumn, and travelers are advised to plan and book accommodations in advance due to the small size of the villages along the route.

Ostana, a small village in the Valle Po, has transformed from near abandonment to a model of mountain regeneration. The village, which had only five residents in the early 1980s, now boasts 89 inhabitants, primarily young families. Key to this revival has been a focus on sustainable development, cultural preservation, and responsible tourism. Significant contributions from institutions like the Politecnico di Torino and initiatives such as the Monviso Institute have played a crucial role. Ostana's story, marked by community efforts and innovative policies, serves as a beacon for rural revitalization in Italy.

The article provides a detailed guide to trekking to Lago d'Avino, located in the Lepontine Alps in Piedmont, Italy. The trek starts from Varzo, passing through San Domenico and Ponte Campo, and involves a steep ascent to the lake at 2,250 meters. Key highlights include the Groppallo chapel, the small village of Cianciavero, and the geological formations known as 'marmitte dei giganti.' The best time to visit is from June to September, with considerations for snow and weather conditions. The trek is not technically difficult but requires good physical fitness due to the significant elevation gain.

The Via Romea Nonantolana is a historic pilgrimage route connecting Nonantola to Rome, traversing scenic landscapes, cultural treasures, and historical sites in Emilia Romagna. The route, rich in history and tradition, includes significant paths like the Via Bibulca and features architectural marvels such as the Abbey of Nonantola and the Castle of Spilamberto. The journey is divided into multiple stages, each offering unique historical and cultural experiences, from ancient abbeys and castles to picturesque villages and natural parks.

Emma Gatewood, known as Granma Gatewood, became the first woman to hike the entire Appalachian Trail solo in 1955 at the age of 67. Her journey, which began in Ohio and spanned over 3,500 km, was marked by resilience and minimal gear. Despite an abusive marriage and raising 11 children alone, she achieved this feat and repeated it in 1957 and 1964. Her story gained national attention, including coverage in Sports Illustrated, and is chronicled in the book 'Grandma Gatewood’s Walk'.

Since the Russian invasion on February 24, 2022, Ukrainian Railways (UZ) has been instrumental in evacuating millions of people and delivering aid. European railway companies have responded by allowing refugees free transit and restoring old lines. UZ has also adapted to export agricultural products by rail due to the Black Sea blockade. Belarusian citizens have sabotaged railway infrastructure to hinder Russian military movements, and UZ has nationalized Russian freight wagons within Ukraine. The war's effects are also felt in non-involved countries like Latvia, with expected significant declines in rail freight traffic and port activity.

Salento, Italy, is facing a crisis due to the spread of the Xylella Fastidiosa bacterium, which has affected olive production and resulted in significant economic losses. An association named Manu Manu Riforesta! aims to restore biodiversity and bring back vegetation to the region. The local community has shown support for the reforestation efforts, with some donating seeds, plants, or land. The University of Salento is also involved, assisting in selecting suitable plant varieties for the soil.

Following China's ban on importing 24 types of plastic waste in January 2018, European and North American countries have struggled with managing their plastic waste, leading to increased illegal waste exports, fraudulent declarations, and illegal processing. The Interpol report from August 2020 highlights a surge in illegal activities and the emergence of an illegal market fueled by criminal organizations. Incidents of waste burning have doubled in Spain, and illegal disposal methods have been reported in Italy, Bulgaria, Romania, and Poland. The EU's strategy for a circular economy has been criticized for its grey areas, and despite the promotion of recycling, Europe only manages to give a second life to a third of the plastics it consumes. The article suggests that non-recyclable plastics should be discouraged or ceased in production.

Sardinian farmers are grappling with a severe locust infestation that has devastated farmland, pastures, and homes. The locusts, which have increased in number due to climate change and depopulation, have forced farmers to take drastic measures, including early harvesting and purchasing hay from mainland Italy. Experts from the University of Sassari highlight the role of rising temperatures and suggest early intervention as a solution. The infestation mirrors similar crises in other parts of the world, raising concerns about future food shortages.

Italian farmers are facing a significant labor shortage due to COVID-19 restrictions, which have prevented many seasonal workers from countries like Romania and Morocco from entering Italy. This shortage threatens a quarter of the annual agricultural production. Farmers are turning to local labor, but many new workers lack the necessary skills, leading to challenges in harvesting crops like strawberries. The government and agricultural associations are proposing measures to address the workforce gap, including allowing those on basic income to work in agriculture and regularizing undocumented workers.

Bosnia-Herzegovina's reliance on coal, driven by profitability and abundant reserves, results in severe environmental and health impacts, particularly in Tuzla, which suffers from extreme air pollution. Despite international pressure and the potential for alternative energy sources, political complexities and economic interests hinder progress towards decarbonization. The coal industry benefits from government subsidies and political control, exacerbating public health issues and financial burdens. Significant health costs and premature deaths are linked to coal pollution, highlighting the urgent need for a shift in energy policy.

In Carrara, the marble industry has been a cornerstone of the local economy for centuries, but it is also marked by a high number of workplace accidents, with 12 fatalities and 1206 injuries in the past thirteen years. Despite improvements since the 1960s, extreme working conditions continue to pose significant risks. The article highlights the deep-rooted connections among workers, the challenges posed by modern machinery, and the unpredictable nature of the Apuan Alps. Labor unions like Cgil and Cisl are mentioned in the context of workplace safety and labor conditions.

The Prespa Agreement ratified by the Greek parliament ends a 27-year diplomatic dispute, officially renaming the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia to the Republic of North Macedonia. Despite this, national identity issues persist, highlighted by recent protests and a fragmented demographic. Former Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski's controversial identity project, 'Skopje 2014,' exacerbated tensions with Greece. Current Prime Minister Zoran Zaev has shifted towards Western integration, signing a Friendship Treaty with Bulgaria and gaining EU support. However, internal unity remains elusive, as evidenced by the low turnout in the referendum on the name change.

Erika Benko, an MP from the Democratic Union of Hungarians in Romania, recalls her excitement upon gaining Hungarian citizenship in 2011. The article highlights the significant presence of Hungarians in Transylvania, a region that was part of Hungary before the Treaty of Trianon in 1920. The piece discusses the political dynamics involving Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban and the Hungarian minority in Romania.