Mountain walk in the Lombardy Region (Italy): discover how Cohesion Policy supports Sonia

In the Lombardy Region (Italy), young famers can benefit from numerous opportunities thanks to the European Cohesion Policy. Sonia is an imaginary character created by Montana174 project, whose intention is to showcase real projects financed by the 2014-2020 Cohesion Policy for farmers in mountain areas.

Discover with her from what initiatives local citizens can benefit in her mountain area:

1. YOUrALPS: an Alpine school

Among young generation there is little awareness of the values and opportunities offered by the natural and cultural heritage of the Alps. To address this issue, the YourAlps project created an Alpine School to teach the value of the Alpine natural and cultural heritage to young generations through hands-on experience and learning by doing.

Alpine actors, including farmers, could show their business and host activities to transfer their knowledge to young generations.

2. AlpFoodway for the Alpine heritage

The Alpfoodway project investigated the links between food production, traditions and cultural heritage in the Alps. The visibility of several Alpine farmers and producers was boosted thanks to the “Intangible Search” inventory of the project. Moreover, these local actors could participate to international meetings with other Alpine stakeholders, with the final aim to increase the links, share traditions and local practices.

3. E-Bike: bike tourism in the Alps

The E-Bike Project is developing a cycle path throughout the Italian-Swiss Alps that provides e-mobility services for all. E-bike charging stations are installed to strengthen the number of bike tourists in these mountain areas. Slow tourism, such as bike tourism, promotes the discovery of peripherical areas and can support local businesses, such as agro-tourism businesses.

4. Upkeep the Alps: preserving mountain landscapes

The Upkeep the Alps project offers training courses on landscape maintenance for mountain professionals and operators. Training courses include techniques and practices to preserve the Alpine traditional landscapes made up of dry-stone walls and paths, built in the past centuries. These landscapes contribute to attract visitors.

Have a look at how Sonia experienced Cohesion Policy in her mountain walk (available in English and Italian).