A HISTORICAL-COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF USI CIVICI AND DEMANI COLLETTIVI IN SICILY. MINIMAL SUGGESTIONS FOR PROTECTIVE MEASURES

Abstract

The research analyses models of land governance, focusing speci!cally
on Sicilian usi civici and demani collettivi. By examining the historical genotypes and
phenotypes of these institutions, the study identi!es their foundational elements
and explores their evolution in Sicily compared to the rest of Italy. Factors such as
insularity, the late subversion of feudalism and the persistence of the latifundium
estate have led to management phenotypes that are distinct from the participatory
models typical of central-northern Italy, favoring an individualistic and sometimes
predatory approach. Additionally, the transition to modernity and the abolition of
feudalism in Sicily, including the liquidation of collective state property and usi
civici in the early twentieth century, followed a distinctive path.
While the special status of the Sicilian Regional Statute played a role, the differing
implementation of the 1927 law and principles of urban planning had a more
signi!cant impact on these processes.
In light of this historical-comparative analysis, the research explores the potential
for renewing the management of the remaining demani collettivi in Sicily. It
questions the assumption that the region's exclusive jurisdiction necessarily leads
to a divergence from the organizational models of other Italian regions.
The methodology combines inductive and deductive approaches, case studies and
analyses of legislative, judicial and doctrinal sources, supplemented by reports
from state administrators and interviews with key actors. The ultimate objective is
to propose solutions that focus not on the constitution or re-establishment of
the demani civici, but rather on the management of what remains, to enhance the
protection and conservation of the Sicilian territory, aligning it with contemporary
needs for sustainability and preserving it in the interest of future generations.