fabio Malfatti

Fabio Malfatti is an environmental anthropologist and president of the Centro Ricerche EtnoAntropologiche APS. With nearly 30 years of experience in participatory research, he works at the intersection of anthropology, community development, and environmental regeneration. His path began with international cooperation in Bolivia and evolved into deep engagement with rural and mountain communities in Italy and beyond.

He is a key contributor to Italian Landscapes in the Anthropocene, a long-term research program developed with the University of California that explores local knowledge, landscape memory, and socio-ecological resilience in post-abandonment areas.

Fabio is the founder of key initiatives like the Comunità del Bosco del Monte Pisano, a collective model of forest governance developed after the 2018 wildfires in Tuscany. He also supported participatory political innovation in Villa Basilica, fostering inclusive governance and civic engagement. His work blends local knowledge, traditional practices, and institutional collaboration, using ethnographic and interdisciplinary approaches to support community-led change.

As part of the HiCoMa project, Fabio trains new community managers to listen deeply, act inclusively, and navigate complex territorial dynamics. He believes that real transformation starts from relationships—between people, landscapes, and institutions—and emphasizes the role of experiential learning and active dialogue in building resilience. His vision combines long-term care for place with practical strategies for sustainable and inclusive development.