Sustainable Alpe Cimbra

Women in the Field 

Alpe Cimbra actively participates in the initiatives of Donne in Campo (Women in the Field), the Italian Association of Women Entrepreneurs and Women in Agriculture, founded in 1999 to develop female agricultural entrepreneurship through collaborations in Italy and abroad and the promotion of an efficient and inclusive, responsible and competitive agriculture. The region collaborates with Donne in Campo by creating a network of local women farmers, companies and organisations, in order to carry out shared projects.  

At the heart of this is the recognition of the deep bond between land and women, evident in care for the quality and wholesomeness of products and attention to production processes that constantly aim to innovate cultivation methods and diversify crops, in a desire to share and pass down traditions. Also fundamental are training initiatives on agriculture and entrepreneurship, as well as proposals for youngsters and the elderly, and courses for the insertion of women in difficulty, the marginalised and the disabled. 

The power of example 

Local companies are called upon to make radical choices about the way they operate in the social and environmental sphere: respect for human rights and nature must come first in every aspect of their business. Alpe Cimbra, which strongly promotes this approach, starts with a moment of introspection: the Tourist Board recognises that responsibility begins with its own business practices. 

Equal opportunities for men and women workers are at the core and the working environment is respectful and inclusive, firmly rejecting any form of discrimination. Decent wages, protection of safety and health, both physical and psychological, are the other indispensable components of the working environment. Alpe Cimbra adheres to the cornerstones of human rights, respecting them at all stages of its activities and only collaborating with partners and suppliers who demonstrate that they do likewise. Respect for the land and social justice go hand in hand. 

“Sustainability on the Move” 

The Vigolana Plateau becomes a venue for meetings and sharing that aim to promote eco-compatibility and social responsibility. The project "Sustainability on the Move", promoted by Solidarietà Vigolana with the association "L'Ortazzo" and the "Fa' La Cosa Giusta!" (Do the right thing!) eco-helpdesk Trento aims to involve people, organisations and associations representing good practices in the sectors of sustainable mobility, responsible tourism, sustainable agriculture, ethical finance and fair-trade economy, creating a self-supporting network that shares and replicates ideas and good practices throughout the region.  

Meetings and initiatives also encourage individual responsibility which, when multiplied by everyone, becomes collective action. 

Eco-friendly: a mark, a club, a lifestyle 

Knowledge is power. The Alpe Cimbra Eco-Friendly mark certifies accommodation, restaurants and tourist businesses adopting sustainable practices that respect the environment. In this way, visitors and residents are able to make informed choices and be aware of initiatives put in place to turn the area into a fully sustainable destination, sharing their commitment and responsibility.   

Eco-Friendly Certified businesses use zero-food-mile and organic products, reduce the use of plastic, and employ energy-saving and environmentally friendly measures. Restaurants, for example, offer seasonal menus and sustainable cuisine that respects local gastronomic traditions.  

Furthermore, the Alpe Cimbra has created an 'Ecofriendly product club': tour operators and local authorities working together for a culture of sustainability. One of the many results achieved is the Alpitudini event, a series of meetings with authors, scientists and mountaineers, art exhibitions and dialogues on the future of tourism and mountain communities. The Alps come alive with every step and every word and we are all roped together as we climb towards a truly eco-friendly mountain. 

Lavarone Green Land  

Installing photovoltaic systems and telling new stories, creating cycle and pedestrian paths and integrated natural resource management, raising awareness and respect for biodiversity with the participation of the community and visitors: this and much more is Lavarone Green Land.  

It is about finding a balance between the people and the territory of Lavarone, to achieve zero environmental impact. Sustainable practices are promoted in every sector, so that everything follows a systemic approach and solutions based on local needs that can provide tangible effective responses to the current climate crisis.  

Care is the watchword and everyone has a part to play together with nature. Art, music and culture accompany people: dragons are reborn from the ashes of a devastated forest, water drops tell of their wonder, trees welcome us into the embrace of a dream and beauty and substance bring the mountains to life. 

Folgaria’s youngsters 

One must love now in order to love again. The boys and girls of Folgaria take part in cultural, social and environmental activities from a very young age. What counts is participating, being present, working together and experiencing. An inclusive supportive society is built through the will and courage of all generations: knowing, but above all knowing how to do and be.  The Giovani San Sebastiano project, quite simply and fearlessly, does. And, since there is no better way to get started than walking together, why not start with the trails?  

Free to roam, the youngsters rediscovered ancient paths such as the Tåntz Trail, an ancient route that starts in the village of San Sebastiano and winds around forests, streams and dry stone walls, now dedicated to all the many women who, over the centuries, have given their lives for freedom, care, culture, and nature. Tåntz means 'dance', precisely because people used to dance here to celebrate the new year, to ask for rain or sunshine, or simply to ingratiate themselves with the mountain deities.  

Rites and stories that return in the voices of children and adolescents, ready to be rewritten and re-read in the warm light of the present. Those wanting to discover the secrets of nature have only to venture out along the Mulpoch Trail, where the young people of San Sebastiano have prepared a treasure hunt of flowers, plants and legends. And those who reach the end will indeed find a treasure of inestimable value...