On April 28 and 29, the Euromontana Board held its meeting, with the UNIMONT Campus of the University of Milan participating as an active member representing the Italian delegation. This multi-sectoral association protects and promotes mountain communities across Europe, supporting sustainable development, quality of life, and the enhancement of a unique and sensitive natural heritage.
The gathering involved the organization’s top leadership in defining strategic guidelines for the protection and promotion of mountain territories within the EU framework, with a specific focus on cohesion policies and innovation in mountain areas.
The first day featured technical sessions combined with direct field observations. The delegation reached the 3,000-meter peak of the Presena Glacier via the Tonale cable car, where they gained in-depth insights into the projects of the Consorzio Ponte di Legno/Tonale with Vania Zampatti (the Consortium’s Head of Press Office). They also attended a presentation by Luca Corlatti (Professor at the UNIMONT Pole and wildlife ecologist at the Stelvio National Park) regarding environment and climate change. Afterward, a networking lunch prepared by students was held at the CFP Zanardelli in Ponte di Legno.
In the afternoon, activities continued in Malonno with a visit to the Ferrominers Cooperative and a meeting at the Municipal Auditorium to explore the valorization of historical-industrial heritage and local governance. The day concluded in Ceto with a social dinner at the Agriturismo San Faustino, aimed at strengthening the dialogue among the members of the European network.
The sessions continued on Wednesday, April 29th, resulting in the definition of a shared vision to be presented to European institutions. Giorgio Marchetti, President of BIM Sarca Mincio Garda, and Martina Loss, representing CALRE, also participated in this event.
The meeting confirmed the vital synergy between the scientific research of UNIMONT (the Centre of Excellence of the University of Milan) and Euromontana’s advocacy efforts to ensure a sustainable and competitive future for mountain communities. As part of the association’s commitment, a survey dedicated to the new generations in mountain areas was highlighted, showing that young people desire to live in vibrant territories where they can build their future. You can read the full report at this link.
