- Building the Future of Commons Through History

The information society is a term that underlines the centrality of information in today's society, where a new economy is also emerging, in which the economic value of knowledge is recognized as a strategic resource. The products are primarily electronic resources (programs, texts, web pages, data archives, library catalogs, films, documentaries) made available through computer technology. In such a society can we say that for the commons it is easy to access information? Are there any tools and guarantees put in place by the public authorities to facilitate information flows between those involved? What innovations have been applied to the sector to distribute information faster and cheaper? Those who manage the commons need to acquire and process information on their historical evolution. Without this base the realization of a balanced economic management, the planning of the territory and the exercise of the rights due are precluded. Management, protection, enhancement require the preliminary formulation of projects, programs and plans for which information and knowledge of their history are unavoidable tools. On the other hand, deficiencies and information gaps are found everywhere, even on their current situation and on their past. The historical dimension that is important and unavoidable is missing and should be the basis from which to start planning and integrated management of rural and environmental heritage. The critical issues in the management of environmental policies can be resolved through the interface between science, society and policy makers. It is necessary to overcome sectoral logics and to create integration between research and political activity on the territory. At the Conference in Lima I would like to present a project under definition in Italy that makes the results of present and past researches usable and easily understandable, translating them into tools for policy makers and inhabitants. The multimedia tools will be showed. Three interconnected products are expected: 1. Unique catalog of Italian collective domains; 2. Maps. The catalog must be flanked by topographical maps that give account of the dynamic physiognomy in their Historical dynamics; 3. Database organized for individual municipalities that, like the other products, can be consulted online. Through these tools it is possible to expand the use of new or already acquired knowledge in order to combine the principles of protection of the environment with those of development and competitiveness. Only in this way is it possible to draw the future and identify existing priorities.