Members’ Assembly March 1, 2024 – Celebrating the 10th Anniversary of UNESCO Recognition
On March 1, 2024, the ordinary Members’ Assembly of the Association for the Heritage of the Vineyard Landscapes of Langhe-Roero and Monferrato took place at Sala Tovo, Asti. The meeting approved the 2024 budget forecast and the 2023 financial statements and officially appointed Bruno Bertero, also General Manager of the Langhe Monferrato Roero Tourism Board, as interim director.
Together with President Giovanna Quaglia, Bertero outlined the Association’s priorities for 2024, a year dedicated to celebrating the 10th anniversary of the UNESCO recognition of the Wine Landscapes.
The Assembly gathered key regional and local representatives, including the Governor of Piedmont, Alberto Cirio (who greeted participants remotely), the Vice President of Piedmont Fabio Carosso, the Presidents of the Provinces of Asti, Alessandria, and Cuneo, mayors of member municipalities, and supporting members.
The meeting provided a crucial moment for defining the Association’s strategic direction, combining public and private efforts, and planning activities around the 10th anniversary, which will serve as the backbone of the year’s initiatives. Governor Cirio emphasized the milestone’s significance: the UNESCO recognition has not only boosted tourism but also strengthened the cultural and social identity of the region, positively impacting communities, administrators, and visitors alike.
Beauty, Inclusion, Sustainability – Pillars of the 10th Anniversary
The 2024 program will feature conferences, concerts, theatrical performances, exhibitions, educational courses, and large-scale events across the UNESCO territory. Central to these initiatives is the beauty of the landscape, the enhancement of cultural identity, community engagement, and collaboration with municipalities and stakeholders. The celebrations will peak on June 22, 2024, the exact date of the UNESCO inscription.
The anniversary is intended not only as a celebration but also as an opportunity to reflect on the socio-economic impact of UNESCO recognition and to set new goals for sustainable development while safeguarding the landscape.
Key Activities and Events
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A research study by Professor Guido Guerzoni (Bocconi University) will assess the long-term impacts of UNESCO recognition on local stakeholders, economic indicators, and tourism reputation.
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A dedicated 10th-anniversary web page with a new visual identity will be launched.
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Training programs for schools, tourism operators, and residents will be organized in collaboration with the Langhe Monferrato Roero Tourism Board.
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Five major events, one for each territorial component of the UNESCO site, will feature a branded hot air balloon for panoramic community experiences.
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The photography exhibition “Three Photographers for Three Territories” will highlight the work of Enzo Massa, Enzo Isaia, and Carlo Avataneo, celebrating Langhe, Roero, and Monferrato.
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The Association will be present at national and international events, including Vinitaly in Verona (April) and a press event in New York (March), as well as at major sporting events such as the Tour de France stage in Barbaresco and the Giro d’Italia.
Bruno Bertero emphasized that the Association will pursue the objectives and actions outlined in the UNESCO Management Plan, promoting cultural awareness, protection, enhancement, and sustainable socio-economic development across the territories of Alessandria, Asti, and Cuneo.
About the Association
Founded in January 2011 by the Piedmont Region and the Provinces of Alessandria, Asti, and Cuneo, the Association coordinates all activities related to the UNESCO Wine Landscapes, from promotion to integrated project planning. Its mission includes preserving and enhancing the cultural and landscape heritage of the site, fostering awareness, and supporting sustainable tourism and socio-economic development. Over 100 municipalities and around 60 private members actively participate in safeguarding and promoting the region’s exceptional wine landscapes.
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