Despite there being less and less snow, there are many proposals to build new, impactful, and very expensive ski facilities in the Apennines. We believe there are alternative ways of experiencing the mountains, which can be promoted by investing in the creation of ecotourism services and betting on the protection of the environment, on which people’s wellbeing also depends profoundly. This is the main topic of the meetings held by Salviamo l’Orso.
During two events organised in January, the first on the 8th of January in Terminillo and the second on the 15th of January in Pettorano sul Gizio, we had the opportunity to explore and learn about different ways of knowing and experiencing the mountains. During the event organised in Terminillo, with a talk by Ines Millesimi, we spoke about the history and spread of summit crosses in the Apennines. In Pettorano sul Gizio, we learned about the type of tourism promoted by the Monte Genzana Alto Gizio Regional Nature Reserve: slow, silent tourism that respects nature.
A photo exhibition was set up during the events, which can still be visited at the Cantelmo Castle in Pettorano sul Gizio. The exhibition portrays the uncontaminated beauty of Abruzzo and the Central Apennines, from the coast to the mountains, set against the large infrastructures.
Finally, both meetings saw the screening of the documentary ‘Waiting for the Snow’ by the Cypriot director Constantinos Christou, financed by Patagonia and produced by Salviamo l’Orso.
All these events were valuable opportunities for exchange and dialogue on the delicate and complex topic of tourism development in marginal areas.