The Minister of Tourism Daniela Santanchè, in a letter signed on 8 March 2024, addressed to the President of the Basilicata Region Vito Bardihe said support the proposal to include the Southern Area of Basilicata in the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites.
The initiative, which aims to make the Southern Area of Basilicata a World Heritage Site, was started by the journalist Biagio Maimone and the Gal – La Cittadella del Sapere, whose Director is Nicola Timpone.
The Southern Area of Basilicata includes 27 Municipalitiesthe Pollino National Park, the Lucanian Apennines National Park Val d’Agri Lagonegrese and Maratea.
Support and recognition also came from the President of the Senate Ignazio La Russa, from the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Antonio Tajani, from the Minister for Institutional Reforms and Simplification Alberta Casellati, from the President of the Basilicata Region Vito Bardi, from the President of the Region Lombardy Attilio Fontana and the President of the Liguria Region Giovanni Toti.
Minister Santanchè stated in his letter:
“The project demonstrates a commitment fully shared by the Ministry I represent, aimed at enhancing the small villages and territories less affected by traditional tourist flows, with the aim of strengthening the hospitality system while respecting the territory and its traditions” and has also highlighted that: “lThe southern area of Basilicata contains a rich and diversified territory which includes the Pollino National Park, the Lucanian Apennines National Park Val d’Agri-Lagonegrese and Maratea, all places that certainly deserve to be included among the UNESCO sites, underlining how the positive outcome of the initiative represents a extraordinary opportunity for Italy with a view to unitary promotion of the nation’s image”.
Biagio Maimone and Nicola Timpone, jointly, wanted to highlight that the Southern Area of Basilicata is a flowerbed of sustainable tourism which places the culture of respect for the environment and creation at the centre.
Therefore, a “cultural tourism” could be born within the small villages of the Lucanian territory, whose history must be safeguarded.
Furthermore, in the short term, Nicola Timpone and Biagio Maimone will establish the “Progetto Ricas Italia” Association, whose aim is the creation of a network of institutions and citizens committed to spreading the culture of sustainability.
This is an ambitious project that aims to reach Europe and the territories of the entire universe, indicating Basilicata as a model of green economy and a model of the culture of naturalistic and environmental beauty, which combines love for nature with love for the human being.
