An economy in harmony with nature

What is a bio-district?

An area where everyone – citizens, farmers, the business community, associations and public administration – agree to manage the resources of the territory in an environmentally sustainable and responsible way.

What is the idea?

The protection of our lake is a resource and a need for our future. It is a matter of moving from one vision of reality, one which is particular and one-sided, to one which includes the whole. The challenge is: to find solutions which reinforce the balance of the territory in its various aspects (productive, residential, etc.), and bring them together (local administration, professional organisations, associations operating in the territory, committed citizens).
This would offer new development opportunities for all sectors of the economy, culture and public life.

Can you give an example?

Let’s take agriculture. Conventional agriculture can have a harmful impact on the health of the lake, by bringing in nutrients (see eutrophication) and pollutants.
In defence of the lake, a gradual conversion to organic farming is necessary. This will offer new opportunities to the farmer, because healthy, quality products meet the growing demand of health-conscious consumers who are ready to reward excellence. A bio-district together with the community will support this transformation and promote its products.

By what means?

The first step is the creation of a label that distinguishes sustainable products of the territory. We can create distribution channels, we can invite shops to dedicate space and attention to these products. The bio-district will be promoted in municipalities, at tourist offices and establishments, in school and company refectories, at markets and fairs.

Can it work?

There are already about twenty bio-districts in Italy; there is one near us, the bio-district Via Amerina and Forre. The new law on organic farming, in the process of approval, deals with the idea in Article 10. The lake area, which is a site of European interest, lends itself readily to such a project, due to its geographic structure and its rich and diversified nature; it could benefit greatly from its ability to attract quality tourism, and it would be possible to offer organic products, sites and cultural events of high level, natural beauty, a wide range of sporting and recreational activities, all in the name of sustainability.

So does the bio-district also involve other sectors besides agriculture?

Of course: we want to develop an economy in harmony with nature, with local traditions and culture. Not only to create a synergy between the various sectors of sustainable activity, but also to promote and strengthen the identity of the territory.

What can I do?

Promote and use organic and local products, for our well-being and that of the environment, because they are the result of agriculture that respects natural resources.
Promote the network of organic farms and, as a farmer, join it.

See here for the actual state of the project (in Italian)