During its 36th session, held in Agadir, Morocco from 1 to 5 July, the Coordinating Council of UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme approved the designation of 11 new Biosphere Reserves in 11 different countries. These included the 81 volcanic hills of Colli Euganei.
A growing family
The UNESCO Dolomites Foundation gives its welcome to the “family” of Properties recognised by UNESCO programmes. The mosaic of officially recognised Italian locations includes its 59 World Heritage Sites (both cultural and natural, like the Dolomites), 18 elements on the Intangible Cultural Heritage List, ten assets on the Memory of the World Register, 11 Geoparks, 14 Creative Cities, six Learning Cities and 21 “MAB” (Man and the Biosphere) sites. This intergovernmental scientific programme was launched by UNESCO in 1971 to promote a science-based and balanced relationship between man and the environment through the protection of biodiversity and good sustainable-development practices. It is the same programme under which other sites have been recognised, including Monte Grappa in 2021, the “Alpi Ledrensi e Judicaria” site in 2015 and the Julian Alps which, during the last session, saw renewal of the status awarded in 2019 after merging with the Slovenian part of the Reserve.
Sustainability and engagement
The value of the landscape of the Colli Euganei in the Veneto region has been officially recognised. Extending across 15 municipalities, it has a total area of 341 km2 and boasts a volcanic past and renowned waters making it the largest thermal basin in Europe. The Colli Euganei area promotes sustainable agriculture, ecotourism and harmonious coexistence of human economic activity and environmental conservation, partly achieved through participatory governance. Additionally, as detailed on the website of the Italian National Commission for UNESCO, the Colli Euganei Biosphere Reserve has “varied flora and fauna endemic to the Venetian plain and has established a partnership with several universities and a comprehensive management framework”.