Appian Way: associations urge rapid activation of UNESCO governance

Appian Way: urgent activation of UNESCO governance requested

Almost eighteen months after the Appian Way was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage site (24 July 2024), several Italian cultural and environmental organizations have issued a call to accelerate the creation of the site's governance framework. The delay in setting up dedicated bodies risks undermining protection, management and sustainable development opportunities along the historic road.

The property spans four regions and 75 municipalities: its scale requires a stable, coordinated management structure to ensure conservation, maintenance and sustainable public access.

Why immediate action is needed

• Protection and conservation: without defined governance, continuity of preservation activities may be compromised.
• Funding access: lacking a recognized management entity can hinder access to national and EU funds earmarked for UNESCO sites.
• Sustainable promotion: coordinated sustainable tourism and mobility projects are essential to enhance the route without harming its integrity and landscape.
• Local engagement: it's crucial to ensure active participation from municipalities, regional authorities, cultural institutions and the third sector.

The associations' requests

The organizations call for concrete, speedy measures, specifically asking for:

• the immediate resumption of the process to establish a national body for the site and the territorial coordinating groups;
• the creation of a permanent discussion table between public institutions and third-sector representatives;
• the definition of a shared intervention program across the entire Appian Way;
• the adoption of updated management tools to ensure protection, maintenance and sustainable use.

The groups stress that UNESCO recognition must translate into concrete, shared policies capable of safeguarding the historical and landscape value of the Roman road while generating sustainable development opportunities for the communities along its route.

Practical impact for visitors and local areas: an active governance structure would support maintenance works, improve route accessibility, back cultural initiatives and enable the planning of tourism models compatible with heritage protection.