Fondazione Santagata has been entrusted by the Euganean Hills Regional Park Authority with the preparation of the Action Plan for the UNESCO MAB Biosphere Reserve “Colli Euganei”.

Context

Following the positive outcome of the application process, in July 2024 the Euganean Hills obtained membership in the UNESCO MAB Biosphere Reserve Network. The Management Body of the Euganean Hills Regional Park commissioned the Santagata Foundation to draft the “Action Plan” for the Biosphere Reserve, in compliance with the application dossier.

The drafting of the Plan will provide for the implementation of a related and preparatory programme involving the 15 municipalities involved, civil society and the youth consultation.

The Plan will be developed taking into account the three fundamental functions of the Biosphere Reserves:

  • Conservation through the protection of biodiversity and the creation of ecological networks.
  • Sustainable development, with practices such as sustainable tourism based on the promotion of natural and cultural heritage and support for the green economy.
  • The logistical support through environmental education, research and the involvement of young people in the Reserve.

Fondazione Santagata adopts an analytical perspective that envisions an integrated approach to the management of cultural and natural resources, which includes the continued inclusion of actions for the protection of natural heritage in territorial development policies. This approach is based on guidelines expressed by UNESCO under the Man and Biosphere (MaB) Programme and also integrates years of applied research in the field of UNESCO designations, with a focus on strategic management and programming.

Objectives

The construction of a comprehensive Plan provides for the guarantee of fulfilling the functions provided for by the UNESCO MAB Programme, namely:

  • The sustainable development of productive activities
  • The conservation of landscapes, habitats and ecosystems
  • Support for research, monitoring, education and training activities of the UNESCO MAB Reserve community

The Plan of Action must also develop taking into account the objectives introduced by the Hangzhou Manifesto, which reaffirms the commitment of the achievement of the objectives set by the United Nations 2030 Agenda by the UNESCO MAB Biosphere Reserves, as well as by setting new objectives for the strengthening of the MAB Programme and the human resources expertise committed to the fulfilment of the functions cited above.

Work phases

Support from the Santagata Foundation for the preparation, definition and approval of the Action Plan is divided into the following phases:

  1. Analysis of the territorial and documentary context of reference, identifying the system of local actors and institutional entities active or activatable for the fulfillment of the functions of the UNESCO MAB Reserve;
  2. Analysis of UNESCO guidelines and documentation relating to the management of Biosphere Reserves and return of international benchmark cases regarding the management of Biosphere Reserves;
  3. Consultations and development process participated through workshops to define the Action Plan, through meetings with representatives of the municipalities involved in the Biosphere Reserve, civil society, and local youth and participants in the UNESCO Youth Forum;
  4. Development of the Action Plan, indicating responsibilities, necessary resources, reference targets and expected results for the achievement of the set objectives;
  5. Elaboration of a system for monitoring and evaluating results and Drafting the modalities for updating the Plan.

 Expected results 

The Action Plan for the UNESCO MAB Biosphere Reserve for the Euganean Hills will be aimed at:

  1. Ensure the efficiency of the government structure by respecting the balance between advisory, operational, and support components, maintaining the principles of inclusiveness and participation;
  2. Comply with IACBR guidelines for the development of a broad collaborative network between the various Biosphere Reserves, including those with similar environmental, sociocultural, and economic characteristics, in Italy and Europe;
  3. Ensure compliance with the indications of the Hangzhou Declaration, transferring the 34 development targets as guiding principles for the development of the objectives, actions and mechanisms for monitoring and evaluating them;
  4. Strengthen integrated management, capacities for impact on sustainable development and recognition at local, national and international levels of the Colli Euganei Park Biosphere Reserve.
  5. Actively involve, through participatory consultations and workshops, the 15 municipalities, civil society, local youth, and those involved in the UNESCO Youth Forum. This will allow for the collection of proposals from key stakeholders in the Reserve’s territory, thus strengthening its recognition, the relationships between stakeholders, a sense of belonging to the territory, and the creation of expertise regarding designation.