2nd Interregional project event in Italy,12-15.12.2023
The event began on the 13th of December at Cathedral Square in Isernia, where representatives from all partners gathered at 9 am. The partnership left from Isernia heading to Montemitro where the first two best practices were presented. The arrival point was at the Saint Lucy Chapel, where an introductory speech was held by Lorenzo Blascetta, founder of the RIKA cooperative community.
Then, the partners moved to the village centre, at Makarska 11, a multifunctional building which is also the headquarters of Rika Cooperative (1st best practice). Here first the major Sergio Sammartino, then the regional department director, Angela Aufiero, and the regional official, Maria Tirabasso gave introductory speeches. One of the founders, Lorenzo Blascetta, explained the launch of the cooperative: with a dwindling population and the loss of essential services, the cooperative aimed to create opportunities for employment and income generation, as well as address the challenges faced by the community. The cooperative members have taken initiatives such as reopening a closed bar, securing public spaces for a café and a minimarket, and even planning to develop a scattered hotel.
Afterwards, Ms Simona Forte, project manager, presented the path of the seven churches - 2nd best practice. It aimed to revitalize inland areas in Basso Molise, focusing on Serbo-Croatian linguistic minority communities. The itinerary includes historical and cultural sites in Acquaviva Collecroce, Montemitro, Palata, San Felice del Molise, Tavenna, Larino, and Termoli. Embracing Smart & Slow tourism, the initiative enhances the cultural heritage of the territories, with a special emphasis on the Mother Churches.
Afterwards, the partnership moved to Giardino Dei Ciliegi, an Educational Farm which is also in the framework of the RIKA cooperative, where the partners had lunch and a brief visit to the farm.
Later the partners moved to the “Sanctuary of Canneto” where the steering committee meeting took place in the conference room.
The day after (14 December) the partners gathered at the same place and moved to Castel del Giudice to visit the Borgo Tufi scattered hotel (3rd best practice). This initiative has successfully tackled depopulation and revitalized an abandoned village. Through the innovative concept of the "albergo diffuso" scattered hotel, unused houses and stables have been transformed into accommodation facilities, breathing new life into the municipality. This exemplary practice aligns with similar projects that promote sustainable development in rural areas. The partners had the chance to visit also the local productions, apple orchard and the brewery.
In the afternoon the partners were led to Bojano, to visit The Water route (4th best practice). The route is a cultural and tourism initiative in the Molise region of Italy. It aims to promote intercultural dialogue and sustainable tourism by connecting the municipalities through a water-themed route. The project brings together diverse religious communities, fostering dialogue and cooperation. The route connects the Marian sanctuaries of Castelpetroso and Cercemaggiore going through 12 small villages, woods, meadows, and hills and showcases the region's water-related heritage, featuring rivers, lakes, and historical waterworks. It offers visitors a chance to engage in slow and sustainable tourism practices, appreciating the landscapes, architecture, and cultural traditions. During the event Ms Vitullo, official from the regional department, father Gregory Pavone from the church of Bojano, Mauro Calise, EU Project manager and Alessandro Colombo, Dimensione srl, intervened and presented the route main aspects. An interesting debate followed with questions and answers from the participants.