Monte Baldo National Park Proposal Sparks Revival of Conservation Debate
The proposal for a national park in the Monte Baldo area, this time originating from a bill approved by the Senate and now sent to the Chamber of Deputies, has reignited attention and debate on a project initiated as early as 1973 on the idea of WWF Verona. “Encouraged by the then President of WWF Italy, Mario Incisa della Rochetta,” says Averardo Amadio, a member of the National Council and Veneto president for 18 years (from 1971 to 1989). “I discussed it with Eugenio Turri, Alessandro Ruffo, Guido Chierego, and Franco Wallner, and we established a kind of committee for the establishment of the Park.
Traveling throughout the Baldense territory, I collected data of all kinds and, at the request of the Region, drafted a park project covering an area of 13,000 hectares, including zoning plans.”
Project phases and oppositions
“Subsequently, on my instructions,” adds Amadio, “the Region appointed Franco Tassi, director of the Abruzzo Park, to draft a project for both the Baldo and Cansiglio Parks. It was 1975, but the idea, despite us putting in all our efforts to explain the motivations through meetings, conferences, and articles, was rejected by local administrations and the community, who considered a park imposed from above.” Today, the discussion continues, but things do not seem to have changed much.
Potential and enthusiasm around the project
“The proposal excites especially WWF Italy, on whose behalf,” emphasizes Amadio, “I speak, and naturally the Venetian and Verona associations as well. I am sure it will also inspire all those, especially among residents, who look to the future. The national park will preserve and safeguard a heritage that Europe envies us.”
The hortus Italie will be accessible to everyone but will benefit those living nearby.“ “The Park,” Amadio underlines, “promotes values that do not fade, preserves the soul of the places and their inhabitants, and enhances the local culture. But above all, it diversifies tourism—not only for hiking but also naturalistic, cultural, and gastronomic tourism.” Talking about a park with Amadio is like facing a rushing torrent, so convinced is he of its necessity.
Commitments and benefits of the park
“It will trigger investments, not only from the state; guides (young ones) will need to be established, guards and officials hired to ensure proper conservation; there will be study conferences; increased presence in hotels beyond current levels, and agricultural products could receive a certification mark.” “In short, job opportunities will arise,” clarifies the WWF representative, “with the conservation of mountain huts, the restoration of abandoned trails, and the creation of educational trails equipped with educational panels and boards.”
Not to mention the creation of wildlife areas (in Lessinia, one is being set up with an investment of 1.9 billion), the development of visitor centers, the construction of parking lots near the park, green weeks, school tourism, etc.”.
The importance and prospects of the park
For Amadio, “the park is an opportunity not to be missed” to revitalize an area that is “fading and at risk of losing its unique features.” Some argue that Italy already has several parks and many protected areas eligible to become parks, but limited funds available to activate and properly operate them are a challenge.
“Long live the national park, even if it only starts with one lira of funding,” supports Amadio, “many opportunities can be initiated,” he asserts, “even without money, because they benefit private individuals. Since the park is primarily aimed at conserving natural and cultural heritage, these objectives alone trigger a series of opportunities for local residents.”
“There are municipalities in Abruzzo and elsewhere,” Amadio concludes, “that are seeking to join parks with their territories to enjoy the benefits.”