Rediscovering, experiencing, and engaging in outdoor physical activities in unique natural settings where environmental education and sports tourism coexist harmoniously: this is the key idea at the heart of “Natura e Movimento,” a new event conceived and promoted by the Ministry of the Environment and Energy Security (MASE) and organized by the SportCity Foundation, an independent, nonprofit organization that collaborates with institutions, local areas, and communities to promote well-being, inclusion, and the quality of urban life through sports. Following its debut on the weekend of June 13–14, the event reached its climax on June 20 and 21. Its clear objective was to highlight natural spaces as “open-air gyms,” offering citizens the chance to discover, experience, and engage in outdoor activities in unique settings, while contributing to the promotion of responsible and sustainable behaviors. 

The initiative, which involved the Casentinesi Forests National Park, the Stelvio National Park, and the Julian Alps Biosphere Reserve, featured excursions and activities designed to strengthen the bond between people and nature, including a workshop specifically designed for young children. In addition to natural parks, the event also involves marine protected areas and nature reserves: a network of sites of European and international significance that includes the Biosphere Reserves of UNESCO’s MAB (Man and the Biosphere) Program. Translated with DeepL.com (free version)

Following its debut on the weekend of June 13–14, the event reached its climax on June 20 and 21. Its clear objective was to highlight natural spaces as “open-air gyms,” offering citizens the chance to discover, experience, and engage in outdoor activities in unique settings, while contributing to the promotion of responsible and sustainable behaviors. The initiative, which involved the Casentinesi Forests National Park, the Stelvio National Park, and the Julian Alps Biosphere Reserve, featured excursions and activities designed to strengthen the bond between people and nature, including a workshop specifically designed for young children. In addition to natural parks, the event also involves marine protected areas and nature reserves: a network of sites of European and international significance that includes the Biosphere Reserves of UNESCO’s MAB (Man and the Biosphere) Program.

The importance of “Nature and Movement” becomes even more evident when one considers that, within this immense natural heritage, outdoor activities have not yet fully realized their potential: in fact, most people who visit parks and nature reserves have not yet been reached by a structured program of activities. Suffice it to say that only 7.8% of residents in municipalities surrounding national parks are members of an amateur sports club or association. “The link between sports and parks,” reads the presentation document for ‘Natura e Movimento,’ “can attract visitors, strengthen local communities, and promote a sustainable model.” Reaching a systematic and shared strategic vision among institutions, sports federations, and organizations would mark an important step forward in defining a concept of outdoor wellness that makes sports one of the most effective means of promoting and enhancing an invaluable natural heritage.

(Photo credit: Magnific)