All 25 Italian national parks are now linked in the “Path of parks”, a hiking route of about 7000 kilometers that develops along the whole country, islands included. The Park Path is the result of an agreement between the Ministry of the Environment and the Italian Alpine Club (CAI), it includes protected areas from the Gulf of Trieste to Valle d’Aosta and Liguria, extending toward south through the Apennines reaching Calabria. This itinerary can be compared to the famous Path of Santiago in Spain; the only difference is that the main feature is the amazing Italian nature. The goal of the Park Path is to enhance the Italian protected areas, allowing people who live in these areas to create sustainable economic chains, mainly linked to the hospitality sector and the production of local products. Furthermore, this initiative intends to trace a solid eco-sustainable path for the future that will involve all national parks. The “Park Path” strengthens and completes the Sentiero Italia Cai (from the Dolomites to Maddalena, through Casentinesi Forests and Pollino), which already existed before and it is located at high altitude and consists of 400 stages. The Italian ministry has allocated 35 million euros that will cover expenses between 2020 and 2033. The money will facilitate maintenance and upgrading of the paths that are located in protected areas, moreover, this financial support will improve the local economy and sustainable tourism. Tourists who will decide to take this journey will be provided with a “ticket” to be stamped in each of the National Parks and a final prize for all people who will be able to visit all 25 National parks. Undoubtedly, the “Path of the Parks” represents a wonderful opportunity to discover the history and to fully experience biodiversity that can be found in these magnificent places.
Iris Brinafico 3^AL
