Regional Act No. 35 laying down provisions for the economic development, the promotion and the improvement of mountain areas and amending Regional Act No. 12 of 16 January 1995.

The aim pursued by the Marche Region is the redevelopment as well as the achievement of the territorial balance of mountain areas, in accordance with the general principles established by Act No. 97 of 31 January 1994, which represents the legal framework in matter of mountain areas. The provisions of this Regional Act shall apply to: (a) territories pertaining to the Mountain Communities set up by Regional Act No. 12 of 16 January 1995; (b) other territories classified into mountain territories in compliance with article 28, paragraph 2 of Act No. 142 of 8 June 1990; (c) the regional territory falling within the national parks of Monti Sibillini, Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga. The Region shall elaborate an intervention programme to be designated "Apennine Project" (art. 2). Part I of the Act lays down provisions for the protection and the promotion of mountain territories and of the environment. For this purpose, subsidies shall be granted by the Mountain Communities (whose functions are fully regulated by article 6) in order to carry out environmental maintenance works, covering: (a) the rational use of surface water resources; (b) afforestation of degradated, destroyed and damaged forests; (c) improvement of pastures; (d) fight against pests and pathogens. In addition, the Mountain Communitites shall encourage the creation of forestry consortia and shall also elaborate forestry management plans. The Region shall contribute to the above-mentioned activities by drawing up the Regional Forestry Chart as well as the Regional Forestry Plan (art. 5). Part III of the Regional Act provides for the restoration and development of agriculture on mountain areas. Subsidies shall be granted to agricultural enterprises and farmers, giving priority to the production of milk and dairy products (art. 12). The Regional Fund for Mountains is established under article 22.