Description
The document was drawn up in response to the sensitivities that emerged during the Stati Generali della Montagna (General Mountain States), from which a request was made to find solutions that balance tourism needs and environmental resources, solutions that are attentive to the well-being and quality of life of visitors and local communities. The objective is to harmonise the socio-economic needs of the area with environmental values.
The broad topic of human activities with a significant impact on maintaining the special characteristics of mountain areas was the subject of two working groups:
- The first was set up within the UNESCO Dolomites Foundation, with the participation of stakeholders from Veneto, South Tyrol and Trentino, to address the issue of the use of motorised vehicles for recreational/sporting purposes.
- The second was activated within the framework of the Cabina di Regia (steering committee) for protected areas and glaciers, an advisory body envisaged by the provincial law on forests and nature protection, and in particular it examined the theme of musical, cultural and sporting events mainly from the point of view of environmental impact and the suitability of the sector's regulations.
The 'Guidelines' provide indications of principle, also taking into account the contributions of the two working groups mentioned above. They do not constitute a rigid regulation of the subject matter but rather an orientation tool for stakeholders, involved in various ways in the organisation and promotion of events. It sets out principles rather than rules, with an approach that takes into account relevant values and interests.
In recognising the economic and social necessity and also the cultural opportunity of tourist-recreational and sporting enjoyment in the natural environment, the 'Guidelines' point out how it is necessary to bear in mind a general aspect according to which this necessity must be oriented towards models centred on the culture of respect and silence, slowness and self-restraint. It is clear, therefore, that the information and awareness of those who use Alpine territories become key objectives. With this in mind, event promoters and decision-makers have the role of harmonising the needs of the territory with the variability and significance of environmental values. In extreme synthesis, therefore, it is not only a question of regulating and containing undesirable effects, but also of indicating different ways of use that are ecologically appropriate, coherent and balanced, fostering a culture of limits, respect, biodiversity, in a word, balance.
Among the short- and medium-term instruments identified by the 'Guidelines' is the establishment of a permanent round table between the provincial departments involved in the assessments, supported by experts in environmental and tourism matters (established in 2020, see below). The long-term instruments include the need to field research activities on the impacts of events in the mountains and to carry out an awareness-raising operation of a purely cultural nature, aimed at creating awareness of the needs of socio-economic development on the one hand, and the need to preserve the natural heritage as the very basis of economic development on the other, through the adoption of a Charter of Ethics for Trentino mountains signed by all the main stakeholders.