The GAL territory

The target area of the LDP is situated north and west of the province of Foggia, and includes almost all the Gargano promontory and the municipalities of Cagnano Varano, Carpino, Ischitella, Mattinata, Monte S.Angelo, Peschici, Rignano Garganico, Rodi Garganico, San Marco in Lamis, Sannicandro Garganico and Vieste.

The territory in this area is extremely diversified. On the one hand, this has impacted heavily on economic growth, but, on the other, it has helped preserve extraordinary environmental and landscape assets, and infuse a strong territorial identity into the local population, which is clearly seen in the strength of the old folk and spiritual traditions. The extremely mountainous territory of the Gargano has added to isolating the area, restricting the exploitation of land in certain parts. 94.4% of the GAL area is covered by mountains. The steep and rocky coasts sink into the sea, forming spectacular rocks and cliffs.

All the municipalities in the GAL area are part of the territory of the Gargano National Park, thanks to the beauty of the landscapes and the biological assets.

The Park was established in 1995 to preserve and enhance the value of a territory extremely important for the variety of its flora and fauna.

The Park area includes Sites of Community Importance (SCIs) e Special Protection Areas (SPAs), as provided for under Directive Habitat no. 92/43/EEC.

The economic fabric of the Gargano has always been burdened by its isolation with respect to the rest of the territory. An area hard to reach, the rugged terrain and lack of surface watercourses have strongly bridled the growth of the Gargano economy.

Economic activities mainly revolve around the primary sector: breeding and farming take the lion’s share. Trade is widespread in every municipality, but percentage-wise, mostly in those along the coast.

The industrialization rate is lower than the regional figure and declining.

Tourism has grown only in the municipalities along the coast.

Then again, such a situation has helped preserve the landscape and the environmental systems, making the GAL area extremely competitive in terms of greater tourism demands for the exploitation of unspoilt territories with a strong identity and rich heritage.

The GAL area has numerous environmental and cultural assets that are put to good use by offering a wide range of local wine & food and handicraft products.

By enhancing the value of environmental and cultural qualities, the aim is to create a system to develop the territory in support of the economy.