The first European Breathing Villages Park is born in Abruzzo

L’AQUILA, JUNE 13 – “Protected areas can and must represent a value and an opportunity for growth for the territories. The recognition in Abruzzo of the first European Borghi del Respiro park confirms how our protected area management model is reaping excellent results”. This was stated by the vice-president of the regional council Emanuele Imprudente on the sidelines of the presentation of the first European park of the Respiro villages, which was held at the L’Aquila Chamber with the presence of the president of the Sirente Velino regional park, Francesco D’Amore, of the president of the national association Borghi del Respiro, the pulmonologist Vincenzo Colorizio, and the mayors of the municipalities involved in the event. The park – which will include a total of 22 Municipalities of the Sirente Velino Park – will be proclaimed during the 5th edition of the Breathing Festival, scheduled in Rocca di Cambio (L’Aquila) on Saturday 15 June. “The certification of the very high quality of the air that we breathe in our villages – explained Imprudente – is the result of close and synergistic teamwork between the governance of the park and my department, an initiative of great value and fundamental importance to promote the uniqueness of our region in the world while enhancing the excellence of the typical products, behind which there are the identity, history, culture and hospitable vocation of our territories”. “For many years – concluded Imprudente – Abruzzo has been a little-known land, rarely able to exploit the enormous riches it has at its disposal. Thanks to the series of activities we have implemented, which have already seen us as a pilot project for the Green community in Italy, up to today’s prestigious recognition, we can affirm without fear of contradiction that Abruzzo is finally becoming aware of the enormous potential of a wonderful environment.”