An ambitious vision for the largest protected area in Italy

Photo: Anderson Schmig on Unsplash

ACCTING aims to understand the impact of Green Deal policies on vulnerable groups, prevent inequalities, and produce knowledge and innovations to advance behavioural change at individual and collective levels for an inclusive and equal European Green Deal. This bottom-up initiative was collected by Marina Cacace, Gabriele Olivati and Francesca Pugliese within ACCTING’s mapping of inspiring practice cases, within the Valorising local knowledge on natural hazards Research Line. Read our report on all 693 mapped initiatives.

Pollino National Park, Italy

A national treasure

The Pollino National Park, the largest newly established protected area in Italy, covers almost 200 000 hectares between Calabria and Basilicata. The Pollino area is also home to several high mountains and an enourmous variety of species. According to park’s website: “In 2015 the Park became part of the European and global Geoparks network under the aegis of UNESCO.”

A vision to preserve and protect the park

The project intended to encourage the preservation and the protection of Pollino Park while promoting contact with the natural environment and stimulating an interest in a healthy lifestyle. The ambitious mission wouldn’t have been possible without the close collaboration between the Pollino National Park Authority, determined volunteers and third sector organizations.

To plan for effective conservation of the geological, natural, historical and cultural heritage of the area, the civil defense network developed a group of passionate participants, mostly volunteers and citizens living in the area, to benefit from the activities of the park. For example, school students enjoy the experience of the Pollino National Park through environmental education activities. The initiative also pays special attention to vulnerable population such as disabled and elderly by taking care of their adequate accessibility to the park.

Find out more here.

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