Start Date
End Date
Project Summary
The territories of Tuscany, Liguria, Sardinia, Region Sud and Corsica have a rich natural and cultural heritage now challenged by climate change, economic crises, and human activities. The CAMBIO-VIA project aims to address these challenges by combining actions for the conservation, protection, promotion, development, and accessibility of natural and cultural heritage. Specifically, the project focuses on the Transhumance Itineraries and aims to enhance community life, as well as local services, traditions, knowledge, and products.
Themes
Biogeoghraphic Region
Objective
Promoting an economic model for the hinterland based on its social and environmental values, enhancing typical products, places of production and routes connected to reach high and very high-quality markets, building successful relationships and networks with urbanised areas and responsible consumers, offering reasons of tourist attraction and natural and cultural leisure, to redeem cultural, economic and social redemption of local inland communities.
Good Practice Description
CAMBIO VIA aims to enhance the natural areas, villages, and historical sites by leveraging their environmental, economic, and social potential. The project focuses on the connections established by transhumance and emphasizes the importance of sharing practices and values. It also emphasizes that such collaboration opens up new opportunities for comprehensive development while enhancing the usability of the area's itineraries through mapping and georeferencing regional paths. By including paths and communities, with positive outcomes for the entire cross-border territory. The project emphasizes a supra-territorial dimension through the establishment of guardian communities, a sort of Green Community of transhumance, connecting local communities, custodians, and users of cross-border cultural and natural capital. These communities strengthen cooperation, promote common practices, and build a shared identity essential for preserving natural and cultural heritage. This knowledge supports awareness initiatives and ecosystem services for producers and consumers. The communities act as economic multipliers, fostering synergies among stakeholders and replicating successful experiences in different territories.
Tools and Equipment
Replicating the CAMBIO-VIA project would require a range of tools and equipment to effectively address the challenges and implement the proposed actions. Firstly, tools for geographic information systems (GIS) and mapping software would be essential for the development of geo-referenced routes and the identification of key natural and cultural sites. Equipment for data collection and monitoring, such as GPS devices and environmental sensors, would facilitate the assessment of biodiversity and landscape degradation. Additionally, resources for infrastructure development, including materials for site restoration and construction of physical accessibility features like paths and trekking facilities, would be necessary. To enhance virtual accessibility, investment in information and communication technology (ICT) tools and mobile applications would enable interactive experiences and educational outreach. Collaboration platforms and project management software would also streamline inter-institutional coordination and stakeholder engagement. Overall, a comprehensive toolkit blending technology, infrastructure, and communication resources would be fundamental for replicating and sustaining the CAMBIO-VIA approach to heritage conservation and community development.
Personnel
Key roles would include project managers to oversee the implementation, coordination, and monitoring of activities. Specialists in heritage conservation, environmental science, and cultural studies would provide insights into the preservation and promotion of natural and cultural assets. Urban planners and architects would contribute to the design and development of infrastructure improvements, while GIS analysts and data scientists would handle mapping and data analysis tasks. Community engagement specialists would facilitate collaboration with local residents, stakeholders, and partner institutions. Additionally, skilled technicians and laborers would be needed for on-the-ground construction and restoration work. Educational outreach coordinators and communication professionals would support public awareness campaigns and the development of educational materials.
Problems and Threats Faced
Firstly, securing adequate funding and resources for project implementation could be a significant hurdle, particularly considering the diverse range of activities involved, from infrastructure development to community engagement initiatives. Additionally, navigating bureaucratic processes and securing necessary permits and approvals for construction and conservation efforts could delay progress. Cultural and social factors may also present challenges, including resistance to change from local communities, differing priorities among stakeholders, and potential conflicts over land use or heritage management approaches. Coordination and collaboration among multiple agencies and institutions across borders may prove complex, requiring effective communication and negotiation skills. Moreover, ensuring long-term sustainability beyond the project's duration may be difficult, particularly in the face of evolving economic, social, and environmental conditions.