Cibi e Bevande
Cittaslow: From Idea To Revitalization
From the beginning of its operation, it refers to better use of local resources: culinary traditions, local culture and monuments. Being 'slow' does not mean lagging behind. Supporters of the Slow movement call for slowing down the pace of life in order to cultivate relationships with the loved ones, with the local community and with their small homeland.
A few years ago, the symbol of the International Cittaslow Cities Association - the orange snail was completely unrecognizable in Poland . Today, Polish towns belonging to the network are considered as the most active Polish local governments. They effectively fit into regional strategies and European trends. They change their cities in accordance with the ideas of the "Slow" movement.
Appreciation of the development potential of small towns is a trend of the 21st century. It is an excellent illustration of the implementation of the sustainable development postulates. In a faster and faster world, Cittaslow Network member cities want to base their future on what is local and specific to their neighbourhood. Ecology and history – they are the key to maintaining solidarity with the past and the future generations. The Cittaslow network does not prevent members from the use of new, innovative technologies, but encourage to use them in a way that makes the cities better places to live for their inhabitants and visitors.
The idea of Cittaslow was discussed in the Warmian-Masurian region ( Poland ) already at early stage of its development. As early as in 2004, representatives of the voivodeship self-government and the city of Reszel signed up for the movement. A year later, four cities joined Cittaslow: Reszel, Biskupiec, Bisztynek and Lidzbark Warmiński, and the provincial government became a supporting member. Since then, the number of member-cities has been growing steadily. Although it is dominated by cities from Warmia and Mazury (there are 26 of them), currently also nine towns from other regions of Poland are part of the Cittaslow network.
Many years of cooperation within the movement resulted in the joint preparation of the Cittaslow city development program from the Warmia and Mazury region. It happened in 2015, when, thanks to good cooperation, the Supralocal Program for the Revitalization of the Cittaslow Cities Network was prepared. It is a unique program on the entire EU scale, defining the social revitalization of small towns in one of the poorest regions of
Europe . The idea was in line with the assumptions of the regional development strategy and the Regional Operational Program for the Warmian-Masurian Voivodeship. The activities covered by the Program were supported by funds from the EU budget. The road to EU funds was long, but it was worth taking up these challenges. The effects of the Program are the best proof of it. The towns gained modern, refurbished, well-kept streets, squares, parks, and facilities for recreation and relaxation.New cultural institutions were created, and they are often located in historic buildings. These institutions are used in the most difficult aspect of urban development, i.e., social revitalization. All completed investments serve the integration of residents and their broadly understood activation. The serve especially the excluded groups and those in need of additional support.
The supralocal Program for the Revitalization of the Cittaslow Town Network in the Warmian-Masurian Voivodeship at a glance:
Cities of Cittaslow - cities of good quality of life are a constantly developing movement. The pace and directions of this development are appreciated by the European Commission, which promotes cooperation networks and exchange of good practices. The program implemented in Warmia and Mazury also gained positive opinions from the European Commission, especially due to the great emphasis placed on the social aspect of revitalization. The international nature of the Cittaslow network is also important. Thanks to this, joint promotional and educational activities are implemented, both at the national and international level.
Supporter Members from Poland : Warminsko-Mazurskie Voivodship, Olsztyn Province
Cittaslow Friend : Szynaka Group Ltd.
Media Contact:
Luca Filippetti
redazione@cittaslow.org
ph. +39 0763341818
Image 1: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1667916/Nidzica.jpg
Image 2: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1667915/Lubawa.jpg
Image 3: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1667917/Pasym.jpg
Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1559015/Cittaslow_Logo.jpg