BORGO PARADISO SUSTAINABLE, SHARED AND INCLUSIVE DEVELOPMENT

The side-event, organised in the framework of the European Week Regions and cities 2024 by the International Academic Research Center (UNICART) with Consulmarc Sviluppo S.r.l. as an external organizer, promoted a discussion on sustainable tourism and the urban and social redevelopment of “Borgo Veddo" focused on the "Borgo Paradiso" project. The event consisted of a round-table with the speakers, including the presentation of the local public and private actors of the project and they experiences on the local development initiative.

The presentations were moderated by Dr. Paolo Snidero, an expert in European policies and contact person for the International Academic Research Center – UNICART Brussels, he introduced each speaker and structured the related presentation in a light of the exponential growth of sustainable tourism and its affirmation as one of the main trends in the tourism sector at a global level: “This transformation is fueled by a growing environmental and social awareness on the part of travellers, who increasingly choose destinations and experiences that respect ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) criteria,” said Dr. Snidero, specifying that "Borgo Paradiso project aims to recover and enhance abandoned properties in the municipality of Maccagno/Veddo of great historical value" adding that "the objective of the project is not only the restructuring of the real estate assets, but the creation of a system capable of planning and coordinating the activities of the tourism sector, with a view to involving representatives of municipal and provincial public administrations together with the actors of the local economic supply chain of local agro-food in cohesion with CLLD and Green Revolution.

Dr. Charles-Etienne BÉLANGER, Director of the International Organization for Social Tourism, explained that the social sustainability in tourism is about stakeholders taking into account the social aspects of tourism for the people living in the places visited, the workers in the sector and the visitors themselves, with a view to ensuring their long-term survival.
Social sustainability in tourism is linked to its effects on societies, cultures and territories, and is assessed using a number of criteria for the various stakeholders.
He presented the ISTO’s Commitment:
1.To provide a forum for reflection and experimentation on social sustainability and to become a key stakeholder in lobbying, disseminating and promoting social sustainability to all stakeholders in the tourism ecosystem, in particular operators, national, regional and local public authorities and international and regional institutions active in the tourism and sustainable development sector.
2. To collect and consolidate information data on the social sustainability of tourism, thanks in particular to contribution members active training research, by creating a tool for observing analyzing social, sustainable solidarity-based dimensions tourism. To collect and consolidate information data on the social sustainability of tourism, thanks in particular to contribution members active training research, by creating a tool for observing analyzing social, sustainable solidarity-based dimensions tourism.
3. To encourage its own members in the social and solidarity tourism sector to implement the social sustainability of tourism in practice in their service offer, while encouraging them to carry out development, evaluation, research and innovation activities in this respect.
4. To foster cooperation with a view to identifying and developing measurable indicators and to promote, through various means of dissemination, the inclusion of criteria and indicators for the social sustainability of tourism in the policies, strategies and programmers of national, regional and local administrations responsible for tourism development.

Dr Domenica NIGRO, Professor and Dr Nicola FAVIA, Researcher University of Bari Aldo Moro, Department of Soil, Plant and Food Sciences (Di.S.S.P.A) explained like the concepts of well-being and leisure come into play, as the new frontiers of tourism that include activities aimed at leisure and self-realization and, in this specific case, these forms of tourism, as well as a transversal component, are the main motivation for the movement of a certain target of users. These are more aware, active, demanding, innovative. This is the identikit of the new food and wine tourist who, attentive to the issues of safety and sustainability, has reached maturity; he is now a true sentinel of virtuous tourism, a sort of stakeholder of the place and of the company that operates in harmony with its territory.
Regarding the territory of the project explained that in this place it is possible to taste typical products of the Varese area such as the Varesino DOP
honey, the Formaggella del Luinese DOP, the Olio dei laghi Lombardi DOP, the “Ronchi Varesini IGT”, the Gorgonzola DOP of Varese, the Capracanta typical of Val Veddasca and specifically of Maccagno con Pino e Veddasca and much more.
He said that since many products are made by small businesses, it is important to ask ourselves not only what the territory and the primary sector can do for tourists and the hospitality sector, but how the latter can serve the community so that a symbiotic relationship of mutual growth and relief
can be created.
He concluded said that It is easy to think that many valid products are present in these territories, but that due to demographic decline and the lack of generational change, there is a risk of losing part of heritage and how the right contribution of the community can make it possible to rediscover and enhance them for use by a larger public, including through associations such as Slow Food.
Where there is a supply chain, there is wealth and where there is wealth, there are workers and families.

Dr Paolo Borchia, Member of the European Parliament and group leader of the PfE; presented “From Lake Garda to Borgo Paradiso: different lands, common challenges” as an example of good practice aimed at initiating improvement pathways for Lake Maggiore.

Ms Selena Ossola, Architect Specialized in Bioclimatic Architecture, Green Building, and Sustainability Management, presented "The Delicate Nature of Maintenance and Recovery in Buildings", explained like these processes are crucial for preserving the integrity of structures. She delineated that in many historic areas has been seen the repercussions of using materials that clash with the original architecture. A lack of understanding of a building's bioclimatic context can lead to significant deterioration, often manifested in familiar ways, such as blistering plaster caused by humidity.
This brings to the importance of selecting appropriate materials for our renovations and new constructions.
Regarding the project said that given the unique topography of Borgo Paradiso, rainwater management is another essential consideration. The steep terrain can lead to challenges in managing runoff and ensuring proper drainage. By implementing collection systems that integrate with green spaces, is possible enhance both functionality and aesthetics. Permeable surfaces, such as grass-block parking lots or infiltration trenches, can be designed to handle rainwater effectively, while also improving the visual appeal of our outdoor areas.
In conclusion she invited all to join the endeavour "Borgo Paradiso" that not only preserves its rich heritage but also paves the way for a greener, more sustainable world.

Mr Marco Magrini, President of the Province of Varese, focused on the "Borgo Paradiso" project like an initiative extremely interesting for its approach in line with some of the main issues that the Province has been addressing for some years now, cultivating a close network of relationships and collaborations with large and small stakeholders, institutional and private, throughout the provincial territory, through the widest possible horizontal and vertical Governance.

Mr Ivan Vargiu, Mayor of Municipality of Maccagno with Pino and Veddasca and Mr Roberto Calebasso presented "Borgo Veddo" like a one of over 18 small historical localities that make up the municipality of Maccagno con Pino e Veddasca. This unique “diffused municipality” reflects a long process of merging historical settlements, which began in the 20th century and concluded around ten years ago with the formation of the current municipality.
Once considered a "marginal" area, Veddo benefits from its relative isolation, as its environment remains largely unspoiled by the urbanization and construction that affected other regions deemed more central. As a result, its natural beauty and rich historical and cultural heritage have become its greatest assets. Located on the northern shores of Lake Maggiore, Veddo has recently gained attention for its appeal not only to international tourists (mostly Swiss and Northern Europeans) but also to local visitors.
The project, began with the acquisition of a significant real estate portfolio, including more than 12 large properties and several thousand square meters of buildable land. It follows a regenerative approach, not only restoring the built environment but also reviving the social and relational fabric of the small village through job creation. The renovation process focused on eco-sustainability, incorporating renewable energy systems and adhering strictly to the historical and cultural context.