Valorisation of the Intangible Cultural Heritage: questions and perspectives on the Mediterranean Diet,

The paper is based on the assumption that Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) could strengthen the identity and economy of the local community, create new jobs, increase the quality of life of local residents, improving the territories'image and attracting investors. The international interest in the safeguard and valorisation of ICH is constantly increasing, although the distinction between tangible and intangible heritage appears to be rather la-bile. In the present study, therefore, after a critical analysis of the concept of ICH and of the strategies and the possible tools to be applied to valorize it from a local development perspective, some experiences on ICH valorisation related to the Mediterranean Diet (MD) will be illustrate as practical examples. The main objective of the paper is, in fact, to verify, through the case study of the MD, the enhancement measures adopted and to what extent they affect the process of territorial regeneration and social revitalization, outlining the issues and prospects.