A Bitcoin refuge among the Alpine peaks: the community of Chiavenna, in the Sondrio region, is trying to become a landmark for the adoption of Bitcoin in Italy. This is not just a group of enthusiasts, but a project to revitalize a small mountain community through Bitcoin.
The developer Jeff Gardner is the driving force behind this initiative. Originally from Virginia but a Valchiavenna resident for over 14 years, he developed the Listr app , contributed to the growth of the Nostr protocol, and worked on some small Bitcoin projects. Jeff explains that he sees Bitcoin as the key to reviving small rural towns hit by globalization and the frenetic rush to urban centres. Thus, Chiavenna becomes a place to experiment with the adoption of Bitcoin as a tool for economic and social growth.
Fundraising on Geyser Fund
Jeff launched a crowdfunding campaign on Geyser Fund to raise the necessary funds to finance the project's activities.
The website says that the funds raised will be used for:
- Buy Bitcoin payment terminals to facilitate Bitcoin adoption among local businesses.
- Organize events and meetings: to educate the population about Bitcoin and involve the community.
- Financing a Bitcoin conference in Chiavenna.
The crowdfunding campaign has already raised 1 million sats in just a few days, with over 17 backers contributing.
The business and community-building initiatives
Jeff tells us that the adoption of Bitcoin among small businesses in Chiavenna is growing. Currently, four bars and restaurants have already embraced Bitcoin as a payment method, with more set to join soon.
This trend also extends to other businesses, such as a small supermarket, a wine cellar and various commercial establishments, which are preparing to enter the newly established circular economy.
I grew up in a small town. I live in a small town. I want to see tens of thousands of vibrant, rich, interesting, strange little cities all over the planet. And I want them all to run on Bitcoin. - Jeff Gardner
And the Chiavenna community is already actively engaged in Bitcoin education and promotion. The now iconic monthly Satoshi Spritz meetings have become a regular community event for better understanding what Bitcoin is and what its advantages are.
The first event has already attracted over 40 people and is helping to build a strong community of supporters.
Many of the past initiatives, including the Satoshi Spritz, have been supported by Criptolario Srl, a local startup that defines itself as specialized "in the world of Web3: Blockchain, Bitcoin, cryptocurrencies, Metaverso and NFT". Criptolario also recently awarded two bitcoin scholarships to two students from Chiavenna.
Mining in the Alps? Why not?
The possibility of using local hydroelectric and solar energy to launch a small mining farm in Chiavenna is being explored for this project. The small Alpine city is certainly not Texas, but it could use hydroelectric energy as several companies already do in Northern Italy. This would allow us to create a more sustainable energy system and generate new revenue for the community.
The support of the local administration
Jeff explains that the Municipality of Chiavenna (which has just under 10 thousand inhabitants) and the Mayor have demonstrated curiosity and openness to the potential of the Bitcoin Chiavenna project.
The mayor of the city, Luca Della Bitta (44 years old) had already been involved in the Valchiavenna Digital Festival with Criptolario. “We are lucky to have a young mayor and, in general, such an open administration” Jeff tells us. “They are certainly curious and support this initiative that could benefit the city.”
Why is the Bitcoin Chiavenna project important?
The project demonstrates that Bitcoin is not just a tool for financial speculation, but can also be a tool for the economic and social development of small, marginalized communities.
The initiative aims to position Chiavenna and Italy as pioneers in the adoption of Bitcoin and in the experimentation of new decentralized technologies at a local level.
Chiavenna's Bitcoin community is still in its infancy, but its potential is immense. We follow its evolution with interest and can't wait to see what fruits this initiative will bring.
The Chiavenna Bitcoin project is by no means an isolated case. Other Bitcoin communities have been flourishing in various Italian-speaking areas, such as the Bitcoin Village in the Brescia area, the Bitcoin Valley in Rogoredo, and Lugano's Plan B in Switzerland.
How to support Bitcoin Chiavenna
- Donate to the Geyser Fund: https://geyser.fund/project/bitcoinchiavenna
- Participate in the events organized by the Bitcoin Chiavenna community.
Original article published on Bitcoin 24 ORE
