Cittaslow

Cittaslow
Name	Cittaslow
Formation	1999
Region served	Worldwide

Cittaslow is a movement that originated in Italy and aims to improve the quality of life in towns by slowing down the pace of life and promoting local traditions, as seen in towns like Orvieto and San Gimignano. The movement is inspired by the Slow Food movement, founded by Carlo Petrini, and is supported by organizations such as the International Commission on the Anthropology of Food and Nutrition and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). Cittaslow is also related to other slow movements, including Slow Travel and Slow Living, which emphasize the importance of taking time to appreciate local cultures, such as those found in Tuscany and Provence. The movement has gained popularity worldwide, with towns like Ludlow in the United Kingdom and Kangerlussuaq in Greenland adopting the Cittaslow philosophy.

Introduction

Cittaslow is a global network of towns that aim to promote a better quality of life for their citizens, as seen in towns like Plovdiv in Bulgaria and Guimarães in Portugal. The movement is based on the principles of slowing down the pace of life, promoting local traditions, and preserving the environment, similar to the goals of the European Union's LIFE Programme and the World Wildlife Fund (WWF). Cittaslow towns are characterized by their strong sense of community, rich cultural heritage, and high quality of life, as found in towns like Annecy in France and Hallstatt in Austria. The movement is supported by organizations such as the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) and the European Association of Historic Towns and Regions.

History

The Cittaslow movement was founded in 1999 by Paviole, a town in Italy, with the support of the Italian National Institute of Statistics (ISTAT) and the Ministry of Cultural Heritage and Activities (MiBAC). The movement was inspired by the Slow Food movement, which was founded by Carlo Petrini in 1986, and has since gained popularity worldwide, with towns like Mondragon in Spain and Grenoble in France adopting the Cittaslow philosophy. The first Cittaslow conference was held in Orvieto in 2001, with the participation of towns like Siena and Perugia, and was supported by organizations such as the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). Today, the movement has over 200 member towns in more than 30 countries, including Australia, Canada, and Japan, and is supported by organizations such as the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).

Principles

The Cittaslow movement is based on a set of principles that aim to promote a better quality of life for citizens, as outlined in the Cittaslow Manifesto, which was signed by towns like Bra and Positano. These principles include the promotion of local traditions, the preservation of the environment, and the support of local businesses, similar to the goals of the European Union's Common Agricultural Policy and the World Trade Organization (WTO). Cittaslow towns also aim to reduce traffic, promote walking and cycling, and improve the quality of public spaces, as seen in towns like Copenhagen in Denmark and Vancouver in Canada. The movement is supported by organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).

Certification

To become a Cittaslow town, a municipality must meet a set of criteria and undergo a certification process, which is overseen by the Cittaslow International Coordination Committee, with the support of organizations such as the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the European Committee for Standardization (CEN). The criteria include the promotion of local traditions, the preservation of the environment, and the support of local businesses, as well as the implementation of policies to reduce traffic and improve public spaces, similar to the goals of the European Union's Urban Agenda and the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat). The certification process involves a self-assessment by the municipality, followed by a site visit by a team of Cittaslow experts, who are often affiliated with organizations such as the International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives (ICLEI) and the World Mayors Council on Climate Change.

International Presence

The Cittaslow movement has a strong international presence, with member towns in over 30 countries, including China, India, and Brazil, and is supported by organizations such as the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). The movement has also established partnerships with international organizations such as the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), as well as with organizations such as the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF). Cittaslow has also been recognized by the European Union as a best practice in sustainable urban development, and has been supported by organizations such as the European Investment Bank (EIB) and the Council of Europe Development Bank (CEB).

Impact and Benefits

The Cittaslow movement has had a positive impact on the quality of life in member towns, with benefits including improved air quality, reduced traffic, and a stronger sense of community, as seen in towns like Freiburg in Germany and Utrecht in the Netherlands. The movement has also promoted local economic development, with a focus on supporting local businesses and promoting local products, similar to the goals of the European Union's Cohesion Policy and the World Trade Organization (WTO). Cittaslow towns have also become popular tourist destinations, attracting visitors who are looking for a more authentic and sustainable travel experience, as seen in towns like Santorini in Greece and Interlaken in Switzerland. The movement has been recognized by organizations such as the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) and the International Ecotourism Society (TIES) for its contribution to sustainable tourism development.

Category:Urban planning