From Black Truffle to UNESCO Safeguarding: National Truffle Study Center Expands Territorial Work

The National Truffle Study Center, which collaborates on the management of the Mudet (Truffle Museum) in Alba, is widening its focus beyond white truffle research to projects addressing biodiversity, education and the communication of intangible heritage.

Key initiatives are being developed at both regional and national levels to engage schools, associations and local communities, with the aim of promoting the black truffle and the UNESCO-recognized practice of searching and harvesting.

• Didactic truffle plots: the Center is promoting educational plots across Italy to host cultural and training activities for students and communities.
• Biodiversity collaborations: partnerships with Filiera Futura and other organizations support projects that situate truffle cultivation within environmental and agricultural contexts.
• Promotion and fairs: involvement with summer events and local festivals (Murisengo, Castagnole Lanze, Roddino) to develop formats suited to the black truffle.
• UNESCO safeguarding and communication: plans for national communication and training directed at schools, local authorities and the truffle-searching community.
• Judge training: programs to update truffle judges and encourage generational renewal in competitions and exhibitions.

President Antonio Degiacomi highlights that the storytelling and culinary use of the black truffle need specific approaches distinct from the white truffle, and that events must adapt to seasonal audiences. The Center aims for an integrated strategy linking research, heritage protection and territorial development.