The Parchi a cavallo campaign, launched by Legambiente and Turismo a cavallo, aims to reveal the beauty and value of Italy's protected areas by promoting sustainable tourism. The editorial by the president of Legambiente.
Discovering the beauty of our country, promoting equestrian tourism as a model of sustainable tourism and contributing to reviving local economies, all while surrounded by the beauty of great places of naturalistic value such as protected areas. These are the main objectives of the Parchi a cavallo campaign, which Legambiente and Turismo a cavallo have organised from 21 to 23 April across the whole of Italy, thanks to the collaboration of equestrian centres in 13 Italian regions.
The initiative, which has received the patronage of Federparchi – Europarc Italia and of Aitr (Associazione italiana turismo responsabile), was born in the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development, declared by the United Nations to "raise awareness among as many people as possible of the great heritage of the various cultures". A unique opportunity to contribute to building a better society and a better world, by supporting a model of growth that respects cultural and environmental resources, peoples and labour.
Over this weekend, there will be many places and beauties to be discovered at a slow pace, in an exciting and natural way: the many destinations range from Abruzzo, for a horse trekking trip to discover the hermitages of Celestino V, to Veneto for a walk through the vineyards with wine tasting. From Puglia, for a ride along the beach with tastings of local produce at a masseria, to Tuscany for a weekend in the Parco della Cavriglia in the company of the butteri, and to Piedmont to discover the Alto Monferrato and the Val Vigezzo. The campaign also aims to involve those who do not know how to ride, thanks to a walking trek that will be organised in Liguria to observe the wild horses of the Parco naturale regionale dell'Aveto, and those who need "special" attention, thanks to Equitable, the association that in Lombardy will promote activities aimed at social inclusion through horses.
Equestrian tourism can best represent our idea of a holiday understood as an experience of beauty and sharing, as well as the perfect way to get to know protected areas. Among the objectives of Parchi a cavallo is indeed the enhancement of many extraordinary environments such as those of the Parco della Majella in Abruzzo, the dunes of the Sulcis in Sardinia, the Parco della Murgia Materana in Basilicata and the Parco Naturale Monti Sicani in Sicily. The treks organised around Lago di Occhito, in Molise, and in the Parco Fluviale Regionale dello Stirone, in Emilia-Romagna, will be dedicated to the importance of wetlands for the safeguarding of biodiversity.
We are convinced that protected areas, as well as being custodians of an immense natural, historical and cultural heritage, treasure troves of biodiversity and incubators of innovation and good practices, are also ideal places for creating development and employment in strategic sectors such as land maintenance, cultural heritage management and quality tourism. As has emerged from various research projects, Italians favour sustainable tourism and are increasingly attentive and sensitive to environmental issues. A positive sign that points to the great change under way in our country, one that starts from the bottom up, with many citizens who are aware of how important and fundamental it is to protect and enhance the surrounding environment. And with Parchi a cavallo we want to help encourage an equestrian and sustainable form of tourism that allows the environment to be protected and enhanced, while also involving citizens and promoting the well-being of local communities.