Sonia Anelli became the new Director of the Dolomiti Bellunesi National Park just a few months ago. She is originally from Parma and has a background in biology. Her experience in the field of environmental protection began at the Tuscan-Emilian Apennine Regional Park, now a National Park. From 2021, she was Director of the Island of Pantelleria National Park.
Ph. Alberto Perer
Of all the landscape, geological, fauna and botanical wealth of the National Park, what strikes you most and what could be valued and promoted more fully?
«As soon as I began working with the Park offices, I appreciated the tremendous efforts in terms of monitoring, conservation and environmental protection. In the area of the Dolomiti Bellunesi National Park, there are truly extraordinary examples of excellence and endemic species — plants or animals that are only found in this area — some of which have ‘taken refuge’ in this region. Fundamentally, the unique qualities of the flora and fauna in the National Park must continue to be celebrated and protected!»
The primary aim of the Park is protection, but does it also offer opportunities for development, providing this is done sustainably and respecting the environment? How can a balance be achieved?
«I came here from Pantelleria, where the anthropic factor is central and has shaped the island significantly, defining the landscape… just think of its typical drystone walls. Economic development should not be demonised. In other areas of the Dolomites, it has brought wellbeing and has enabled populations to continue living and working in the valleys, but the Belluno Dolomites are more difficult to extract value from in themselves, in terms of skiing, for example. This has helped to keep what is a true biodiversity reserve pretty much intact. We are not always fully aware of its value, but we can live and experience it, prioritising a low-impact approach rooted in hiking and authentic, informed tourism. The experience I gained on Pantelleria taught me that this balance is not easy to achieve. When criticism of Park management arose, this came on the one hand from the world of construction, and on the other from national environmental associations… but perhaps this in itself demonstrates balanced application of the legislation.»
Governance of the National Park and the World Heritage Site share a constant need for engagement with local communities to promote awareness around the importance of these forms of protection: what can be done in this regard?
«One thing that all citizens of Belluno should be proud of is that they have an updated Park Plan in the approval phase, with shared, agreed rules. The law demands direct consultation with citizens, not only institutions, and this is a highly valuable process, enabling us to iron out various problems. The decision itself to establish the Park was taken by administrators elected by citizens and represents a strong strategic decision that also supported inclusion of the Dolomites on the World Heritage List. In fact, this was aided by the pre-existence of a vision for safeguarding, in the form of the protected areas. Those who live here should be proud, because it is thanks to them that this environment is being conserved.
Natural tourism figures show a clear increase, as people seek to immerse themselves in nature… they need nature. If the landscape is compromised, however, we will lose its value and this is a one-way street.»
You mentioned an updated Park Plan. How far has this got?
«The regulations are currently awaiting approval from the Ministry of Environment and Energy Security, and the Plan is under approval from the Veneto Region and should soon be published. Very few parks can count on approved and updated plans, but it is important to remember that this is not the only tool for engagement with local communities: in 2025, for example, we will renew the European Charter for Sustainable Tourism for another five years, aimed at developing forms of sustainable tourism through close collaboration with tourist operators working in the region. Naturally, synergies also arise through work with schools, associations such as the CAI Italian Alpine Club and promotion, for example, of traditional local production.»
A new director, ECST renewal, an updated Plan… and the recent appointment of Ennio Vigne as Special Commissioner, who previously held the position of president from 2019…
«Firstly, I would like to put everyone’s mind at rest, because the Italian term “commissario” (commissioner) could lead you to believe there is some form of instability, but the Park is absolutely fine! It is simply that the five-year mandate of the president has expired and we appoint a commissioner who acts on behalf of the president and governing council while we await completion of the official procedure, whereby the Minister presents three names for the regional authority to make a decision on.»