Description
The analysis is conducted by the Fondazione Santagata with the TSM-STEP Scuola per il Governo del Territorio e del Paesaggio, under the coordination of the Autonomous Province of Trento - Servizio Sviluppo Sostenibile e Aree Protette.
Objectives
- To analyse the perceived value of the various UNESCO designations through a general survey and semi-structured interviews with operators in the sector;
- To understand the degree of integration and collaboration between the different designations.
Context
The Autonomous Province of Trento set up the "Provincial Coordination of UNESCO designations" to foster efficient collaboration between the Administration and the various bodies and institutions involved in UNESCO designations: Dolomites World Heritage Site, Prehistoric Pile-Dwelling Sites of the Alpine Arc World Heritage Site, Adamello Brenta Geopark, Alpi Ledrensi and Judicaria Biosphere Reserve - and non-territorial recognitions, academic institutions and thematic networks, such as the UNESCO Chair of the University of Trento, the UNESCO World Network of Water Museums, the recognitions related to Mountaineering and the art of dry stone construction, as well as the UNESCO Club of Trento.
This ensemble constitutes an integrated system for the enhancement of natural, cultural and intangible heritage, based on the interaction between protection, community participation, knowledge production and sustainable development. In this context, the Province exercises a strategic coordination role aimed at promoting synergies, strengthening the governance of the system and guiding shared projects.
UNESCO Recognitions in Trentino
The extraordinary natural and cultural heritage of the province of Trento, which bears witness to the deep bond between humankind and the environment, is also recognised internationally. A number of initiatives have been promoted under the auspices of UNESCO — the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation.
Four sites are inscribed on the World Heritage List: the Dolomites, a Natural World Heritage Site; the Prehistoric Pile-Dwelling Sites of the Alpine Arc; the Adamello Brenta Geopark; and the Alpi Ledrensi and Judicaria Biosphere Reserve.
In addition to these, there are other important initiatives:the Art of Dry-Stone Walling and Mountaineering, both recognised as Intangible Cultural Heritage; the Chair in Engineering for Human and Sustainable Development at the University of Trento; ‘La Terrazza delle Stelle’, a UNESCO site ‘connected to the sky’; and the partnership with the World Network of Water Museums.
Some of these designations are shared with other regions or countries: the Dolomites, for example, with the Autonomous Province of Bolzano, Veneto and Friuli-Venezia Giulia; whilst the pile-dwelling sites form part of a network of similar monuments found in various areas of northern Italy and Europe. Mountaineering and the art of dry-stone walling are also heritage elements shared at an international level.
Taken together, these initiatives reflect the Trentino region’s commitment to the protection and promotion of a heritage that integrates nature, culture and knowledge, striking a harmonious balance between continuity and sustainability.
To support the numerous initiatives across the region and to encourage the exchange and development of joint projects, the Autonomous Province of Trento has established the Coordination Committee for UNESCO-recognised sites and elements.
Provincial Coordination of UNESCO Designations
There are many sites and features in Trentino that have been recognised by UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation. These range from the Dolomite massifs forming part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site ‘The Dolomites’ to a university chair included in the UNESCO Chairs Programme. The Provincial Executive has approved the establishment of a coordinating body to promote effective collaboration between the various departments of the Provincial Administration and greater synergy between the Province and the various bodies and institutions involved, in consultation with the relevant national and international institutions.
01/10/2024
