Cordanza:
awareness of territorial values and
our responsibility to future generations
Reserve Networks were set up in the province of Trento following the passing of provincial law no. 11/2007. They are voluntary agreements between the province, municipalities and other local authorities to help manage and enhance the protected areas in the territory in a more coordinated manner. The idea of setting up a Network generally originates at a grass roots level, promoted by the municipalities in the area: three-year programmes are drawn up so those involved can work together and implement activities to protect the environment, enhance protected sites, heighten awareness of the values of the territory and organise environmental training courses in order to promote better coordination between the often fragmented administrations and those responsible. There are nine Networks in the Reserve Networks system of the Autonomous Province of Trento which work together to encourage ecological interconnection, and share good working practices. Let’s learn more about the Reserve Network of the Fassa Valley.
Interview with Mara Nemela
coordinator of the Cordanza per l Patrimonie Naturèl de Fascia
the Reserve Network of the Fassa Valley
Why was the Reserve Network of the Fassa Valley set up and what needs does it meet?
“The Reserve Network of the Fassa Valley – Cordanza per ll Patrimonie Naturèl de Fascia is a rather “unusual” network, even its name is a bit different. The idea took shape down in the valley and was given the Ladin name of “Cordanza”. It was put forward by local organisations and workers, thanks in part to the impulse UNESCO inscription gave the community, as well as the awareness of the intrinsic value of our area and the responsibility we had to maintain its integrity. The Network was a way of protecting our territory while implementing coordinated, coherent and locally run activities. It means we don’t have to turn to third parties for governance but the people who live and work in the area. Mountain communities have a long-standing tradition of looking after their land and collectively managing their environmental resources. The “Cordanza” also provides us with the opportunity to try out new strategies for handing down our “heritage” to future generations”
Who belongs to the Network?
“The Network consists of two of the systems belonging to UNESCO Heritage (Latemar-Catinaccio-Sciliar and Marmolada) on the Trentino side, five Special Areas of Conservation of the “Natura 2000” Network, four local reserves, protection areas of the Avisio mountain stream, as well as the relative ecological and landscape corridors. In all there are 6,900 hectares, making up 22% of the valley’s territory. We have a body in charge of policy making called the Conferenza della Rete, which is made up of one representative from the “Comun general de Fascia” (the overall leader), the mayors of the municipalities in the area, representatives from the Use of Common Land and the Collective Ownership Organisations in the territory, a representative from the provincial authorities and a representative from the UNESCO Dolomites Foundation. This group works alongside a technical committee of experts, a coordination office which belongs to the administrative department of the overall leader and a participatory forum. The forum plays a crucial role: we want the local community to be involved not only in a consulting capacity but we hope that private individuals will promote or organise activities and initiatives we decide to run”
What is the relationship between the Network, the Foundation and the UNESCO Site?
“The aim of our Cordanza is to come together to plan realistic activities, transform general shared principles into a schedule of events and projects within the territory with people who then implement them and clearly defined funding. We have taken the very first steps, following the example of the Foundation’s Management Strategy. The Network also acts as a “vessel” so we can share our experiences throughout the more widespread “Dolomite network”. We see the Foundation as an opportunity to look beyond our administrative boundaries and embrace the experiences of the territories around us”