On the afternoon of November 22, 2024, Lonato del Garda received the prestigious recognition of “Community of WELL-BEING” during the ninth edition of the Cresco Awards – Sustainable Cities, held at the Lingotto Congress Center in Turin. This award was granted as part of an initiative promoted by the Sodalitas Foundation, in collaboration with ANCI (National Association of Italian Municipalities), to highlight the efforts of Italian municipalities in pursuing sustainable development in line with the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda goals.
Winning Projects
Lonato del Garda participated in the contest by presenting three significant projects: Green Park, which promotes sports activities as a tool for psycho-physical well-being; Active Citizenship Pacts, focused on caring for the common good; and Fuori Onda, an initiative dedicated to young people, created to address issues related to youth distress. These initiatives were designed to respond to the needs that emerged in the post-pandemic period, aiming to foster social aggregation and provide support to families and individuals affected by the economic impacts of the health crisis.
A Collective Commitment
The success achieved is attributed to the local community’s ability to network, activating free services for citizens and encouraging an active approach to caring for the city. Currently, Lonato del Garda boasts the participation of 54 volunteers engaged in various social activities, including the recovery and redistribution of surplus food through the Restart – Sua Eccedenza il Cibo project, and access to food goods via the Social Solidarity Desk.
Recognitions and Collaborations
Among the 105 participating entities from across Italy, Lonato del Garda distinguished itself with its virtuous projects. The award was presented by the Feralpi Group, a partner of the initiative and actively involved in social sustainability issues. Mayor Roberto Tardani expressed gratitude for the recognition received: “Being here together today is further proof of the strong synergy we have built over time,” highlighting the importance of collaboration between the public and private sectors.
The Vision for the Future
The municipal administration continues to work diligently to enhance services for the community, aiming to overcome the challenges posed by the pandemic. With a clear vision oriented towards collective well-being, Lonato del Garda is committed to creating inclusive spaces where everyone can actively participate in social life.
Italian Version