48 networks of small centres, the guidelines of the Borghi project defined
The networks will have to organise themselves with a legal structure and bring together public and private actors: 335 municipalities under 20,000 inhabitants are involved
3' min read
3' min read
Forty-eight networks comprising a total of 335 municipalities with less than 20,000 inhabitants organised either through a network contract or through a public-private partnership. These are the structures that will come into being with Borghi Salute Benessere, a project promoted by the Campania Region and Scabec (Società Campana Beni Culturali) to "enhance inland territories, which are often on the verge of depopulation," but without leaving the municipalities alone in the challenge for the self-promotion of their own heritages (cultural, environmental, of traditions) and for the relaunch of their own economies. Firstly, in fact, the formula values networks, and not just individual centres, to create a union of forces between the partner villages and not sporadic initiatives; secondly, it aims to make public institutions and private individuals work together, starting with accommodation facilities and businesses naturally engaged in tourist, cultural, sports and wellness activities.
"It is a project that envisages the creation of territorial networks among the smaller municipalities of the Campania Region and stems from the need to enhance the inland areas, which are often depopulated," observes Fulvio Bonavitacola, Vice-President of the Campania Region. "We need to push for teamwork, in the conviction that a single municipality is not enough to affirm a new model of territorial development. Increasing awareness of the resources available in a territorial network, knowing its critical points, its weaknesses, and transforming them into strengths: this is the challenge of the 'Borghi Salute e Benessere Network'. It is a great investment in our often forgotten treasures: landscape, environment, food and wine, culture, religious itineraries, local traditions. To attract visitors with the proposal of a lifestyle opposed to the sick modernity that dominates our time, which speaks of roots and the future".
The hinterland is therefore the protagonist, with all five provinces involved: from the Caserta municipalities furthest north in the region, such as San Gregorio Matese, Conca della Campania and Piedimonte Matese, to those in the province of Salerno, including Petina, Stio, Olevano sul Tusciano, Alfano and Castel San Lorenzo; in between, Irpinia, represented by a number of small municipalities including Montella, Pietrastornina and Torrioni; the Samnite area, with Morcone, Paupisi and Ponte; and finally, the Neapolitan villages, such as Casamicciola and Casamarciano.
The teamwork will also be supported by two transversal tools: a common digital platform with a multilingual web portal to promote constantly updated activities and services, and a 'BSB card', a pass on the model of Artecard with which to access museums, visits and wine and food routes at dedicated prices.
The guidelines for the implementation of the network projects - announced at the end of April at an event attended by the governor Vincenzo De Luca - emphasise first and foremost the need to present in a detailed and timely manner the area's so-called 'natural attractions', the first attraction for tourists and returning Campania residents: not only beaches, valleys and parks but also microclimates, biodiversity, flavours and routes. Alongside these, attention will also be focused on the 'cultural attractors', the heritage of art, archaeology and architecture alongside traditions, celebrations and knowledge (lace-making, coral, flower displays and ceramics, for example). Enogastronomy that will insist on a return to the Mediterranean diet and that will have in oil the product of excellence to be valorised, and oenology that will emphasise the variety of Campania's grape varieties should be two other pillars of the projects. The 'S' of the brand, which stands for 'health', will not be put on the back burner: walking routes, sports activities, spa treatments and activities to be carried out both in the early hours of the day and for evening entertainment will have to find a place in the proposal of networks and municipalities.
