Legambiente’s 2025 “Carovana delle Alpi” report highlights a growing commitment to sustainability across Italy’s Alpine regions. This year, 19 Green Flags were awarded to commendable environmental initiatives, while 9 Black Flags highlighted areas of concern.
The Green Flags recognise efforts that blend tradition with innovation to promote sustainable development. Leading the accolades, both Piedmont and Friuli-Venezia Giulia received four Green Flags each.
Friuli-Venezia Giulia also received three black flags, including one for the regional department overseeing agro-food and forestry resources. The government department was criticised for policies potentially harming biodiversity.
Green Flags
The Green Flags recognise projects that harmonise tradition with innovation, promoting sustainable development in mountain communities. Notable recipients include:
- Consorzio Turistico del Pinerolese (Piedmont): Praised for fostering effective collaboration between public and private sectors to enhance the Pinerolese area’s appeal.
- Cooperativa di Comunità VISO A VISO – Ostana (Piedmont): Acknowledged for combining entrepreneurship with cultural and environmental preservation.
- Marzia Verona, shepherd and writer (Aosta Valley): Honoured for her commitment to sustainable pastoralism and cultural heritage.
- Sottosezione CAI Valle di Scalve (Lombardy): Recognised for promoting responsible mountain tourism and environmental education.
- Associazione Oplon, Tramonti di Mezzo (Friuli Venezia Giulia): Celebrated for community engagement in environmental conservation efforts.
Black Flags
Conversely, the Black Flags draw attention to activities and decisions that negatively impact the alpine environment. Key concerns include:
- Comune di Groscavallo (Piedmont): Criticised for projects that threaten local biodiversity and landscape integrity.
- Comitato regionale per la gestione venatoria (Aosta Valley): Flagged for policies potentially detrimental to wildlife management.
- Comune di Cortina d’Ampezzo (Veneto): Rebuked for developments that may compromise the area’s natural heritage.
- Assessorato regionale alle Risorse agroalimentari, forestali e ittiche (Friuli Venezia Giulia): Noted for actions possibly undermining sustainable resource management.
- Austrian Ski Industry: Highlighted for practices contributing to environmental degradation beyond Italy’s borders.
Also read: European manifesto for glacier governance launched
A call for responsible Alpine stewardship
The 2025 report reflects a positive shift, with Green Flags outnumbering Black Flags, indicating increased commitment to sustainable alpine development. However, the persistence of environmentally harmful practices signals the need for continued vigilance and proactive governance. Legambiente advocates for policies that prioritise ecological integrity, community involvement, and long-term sustainability in the Alps.
Readers can access the full Carovana delle Alpi document (in Italian).
