The Green Marches

Nearly 90,000 hectares of the Marches region are covered with parks and protected areas, which is about 8% of the total area. The region has a landscape of great natural interest protected by a system of protected areas consisting of two National Parks, four regional parks and two nature reserves. The Monti Sibillini National Park is rich in special plants and has an interesting wildlife, while the Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga National Park is one of the largest in Italy, whose true nature is combined with the impressive historical and architectural treasures.

 

The Conero Regional Park, overlooking the sea and being in perfect symbiosis with the cites of Ancona, Camerano and the seaside resorts and tourist centres of Sirolo and Numana; the Sasso Simone and Simoncello Regional Park, operating since 1996; the Monte San Bartolo Park, established in 1994 and extending along the length of the "high coast" between Gabicce and Pesaro and the Natural Regional Park of Gola della Rossa and Frasassi, established in 1997, representing the typical landscape of the Apennines, made by limestone reliefs deeply carved by narrow gorges. All of these parks are of great beauty.

 

There are many natural areas in the Marche region, among the most important ones to visit is the WWF Oasis of Ripa Bianca di Jesi (NA), founded in 1997 as an educational and wildlife area, Montagna di Torricchio Nature Reserve and WWF Oasis, the first protected area of The Marche, established in 1977 by the State on the initiative of the Institute of Botany of University of Camerino; Fiastra Abbey Nature Reserve created in 1984, very large, 1,800 hectares; WWF Forest Oasis of Frasassi within the Natural Regional Park of Gola della Rossa and Frasassi also has a constraint that preserves archaeological evidence from the Neolithic, Celtic and Roman periods.

 

The Marche is therefore a region rich in protected areas with different features to offer unique attractions, extraordinary trips, guided tours, mountain biking and horse trails to tourists that meet the needs of those who deeply love nature and the artistic and historical heritage in symbiosis with the landscape.
A holiday different from the usual, not only surrounded by nature but by adopting, an eco-sustainable lifestyle is possible in The Marche: a region that could not remain indifferent to the advance of green economy.

 

Small and medium-sized firms are facing the economic crisis by investing in innovation and clean technologies applied to save energy and to use renewable energy sources, to recycle waste and for mobility, for environmental services and for sustainable construction.

 

According to Greenitaly, almost one firm in four has invested in recent years and will invest in technologies for energy saving or for smaller environmental impact. In the Marches region there are over 11 thousand green companies, corresponding to 23.1% of the total number. Among the provinces of The Marche, in the first place there is Pesaro-Urbino with 24.21% of green businesses, followed by Ancona with 23.2%, Macerata with 22.5%, Fermo with 22.4% and Ascoli with 22.1%.

 

Thus increasing the local realities that decide to focus on green economy and winning the challenge against the crisis, betting on eco-sustainability, the use of renewable sources and a new awareness in the management of resources. This results in the use of mix of wind, hydro, solar, biomass and geothermal energy that has begun to have a good impact on energy savings in the area. A new way of thinking about production, new methods in the treatment of materials, especially the use of renewable energy sources are the basis of the vibrant entrepreneurial idea that moves from The Marche, boasting excellence known nationally and internationally.

 

Many regional farms have proved receptive to the new challenge of a cleaner world, as the Futura Shared Company of System Group based in Belforte all’Isauro (PU), which created a real photovoltaic system installed on the coverage its new establishment, where first there was a highly toxic material: Eternit. An eco-friendly way that is good for the area in two ways: on the environment and the economy itself. In fact, companies like that of Pesaro often choose to use photovoltaic products from companies that are in The Marche, thus creating a virtuous cycle that gives oxygen to the local economy.

 

Exactly in the Pesaro-Urbino area, the Museum of Natural Colours was born too, located in the cloister of the Abbey of Archangel San Michael in Lamoli, in the municipality of Borgo Pace (PU): a journey through the history of natural colours with the help of archive documents, a herbarium with the main technical-scientific claims about dye essences and a research laboratory for the extraction of plant pigments from flowers, berries, leaves and roots.

 

The museum illustrates dyeing plant species, among them there is also the ford, known for being the shade of blue used by Piero della Francesca, the Renaissance painter whose works can be seen in the nearby National Gallery of The Marche at the Doge’s Palace in Urbino .

 

The Leaf House is original and by now famous all over the world. It was built by the Loccioni Group, historical company in the province of Ancona, one of the first to bet on renewable energy and that has created the project of "leaf house", which is the first completely integrated eco-sustainable community: the location of the building, the air conditioning and air quality, everything has been thought of in terms of energy saving and of reducing the emission of carbon dioxide.

 

Another company that for nearly twenty years has been working in the field of design and energy conservation is Guzzini Engineering of Osimo (AN) which manufactures industrial and civil buildings incorporating sources of renewable energy already in the planning stage: solar panels are perfectly integrated into the structures and geothermal towers become elements that characterise the architecture.

 

Eco-sustainability becomes aesthetically appealing and environmentally sound design plays a role not only in the casing of the buildings, but also in the furniture itself: a young company like Kube Design, also in Osimo (AN) has created an entire line of furniture using corrugated cardboard, with a pinch of creativity revolutionising its daily use.

 

Also in the Ancona area, in Castelfidardo (AN), there is Spring Color, a company that has been producing completely ecological paints and coatings for years, highly breathable, which are obtained by using only natural ingredients that compared to industrial ones, help the chromatic beauty stand out, while being careful to healthy housing.

 

If the speed of consumption and mass production has led to a "disposable" relationship with things, in the area of Macerata province, precisely in Montecosaro (MC), there is a cultural association, RifUSE, which gives industrial products a second life, reusing them and creatively turning them into real design objects, because "nothing is created, nothing is destroyed, everything is transformed". This association was created to promote research and planning in the design, in the internal preparation and urban reuse of products and has as its goal the realisation of events and moments of sharing, meeting with writers, architects, designers, planners and professionals related to issues of energy conservation and environmental sustainability applied to every area of design.

 

Even from Riviera delle Palme there are encouraging results for the advancement of the green economy, there are many companies in San Benedetto del Tronto (AP) that have taken this exciting opportunity, like Western CO which, due to its activities, is showing how green economy can make a considerable contribution to business, becoming a strategic option for their development.

 

Also in the area of Ascoli Piceno, many companies are betting on research, like Proietti Planet which develops numerous projects on home automation and energy saving with some universities, Alkon Ltd. focuses on the design of sustainable architecture and Restart Scarl, a consortium formed by thirty companies that have invested in renewable sources and energy efficiency.

 

Excellence in The Marche that contribute to the economy environmentally: this is the new frontier of green economy in the region through research and innovation regarding the future, protecting land resources with the aim of improving the quality of life of locals and tourists seeking a holiday of ecology and eco-sustainability.

 

A sensitivity to green economy that led to the birth of an environmental web TV in The Marche, GreenTg: a multimedia info tool consisting of interviews, news, events and exhibitions dedicated to eco-sustainability.

 

Festival dedicated to sustainability
If it is important that local businesses speak an eco-sustainable language, it is also essential to create a debate and a growing sensitivity around it. In The Marche, therefore there are events and festivals, for the general audience, dedicated to ecological and environmental issues, such as the Festival of Sustainability in Borgo Futuro, Ripe San Ginesio (MC), a small medieval village that produces 50% of electrical energy through photovoltaic systems. The event, with a varied program of meetings, is held every year in early July and is an opportunity to hear and see sounds, images, suggestions for a more eco-sustainable landscape.

 

Another original manifestation is the Festival Wandering Ville and Castella, born in 1992 with the intent of bringing culture and entertainment to the most intriguing places of the province of Pesaro and Urbino. The slogan of the event is "The festival begins when the asphalt ends”, in fact, the appointments are set in unusual places such as ancient castles, private mansions, historic towns, open spaces, mountains, forests, caves, river bends and always takes place in the second half of June. The Festival has always been sensitive to ecological issues and the rural origins of the area, involving many of the localities of the area such as Barchi, Mondavio, San Lorenzo in Campo, Peglio, San Costanzo, Carpegna, Apecchio, Fratte Rosa, Isola del Piano.

 

In the province of Ascoli Piceno, the Festival of the Apennines is of great significance, conceived as an homage to the landscape and the mountains of the area. The event takes place in mid-June every year and is a fixed program for those who want to reflect on the protection of the landscape and new possible lifestyles, geared to sustainable development.

 

Eco-sustainable courses and workshops
The Marche boasts many leading universities that are especially aware that it is a duty to teach new generations about the environment. There are many competitions, workshops and university courses that have been activated to promote eco-sustainability and active research in this field in recent years.

 

An example is the province of Fermo, that sponsored the "Activate / Action" contest of ideas for students of engineering or architecture between 20 and 30 years living in the province who have submitted projects that focus on environmental issues.

 

Also in the area there are new talents born thanks to a program for ECOworkers, as part of the Youth of The Marches involving the municipalities of Porto Sant'Elpidio, Sant'Elpidio a Mare and Monte Urano. The goal is to succeed in creating a good practise easily achievable through real laboratory experience, seeking human lifestyles compatible with the needs of the planet.

 

From the humanistic point of view the University of Macerata, has established a series of courses and seminars for the Faculty of Cultural Heritage related to sustainable tourism, with the help of experts at an international level.

 

The University of Camerino, however, organises a true Master in Environmental Sustainability and Energy Efficiency for architecture, with scholarships abroad for students who want to specialise in this area.

 

In the province of Ancona, the Polytechnic University of The Marche has established a Master of Science course in civil protection and environmental sustainability, as well as courses on integrated and environmentally friendly design at the Faculty of Architectural Engineering and those related to organic farming and sustainable at the Faculty of Agriculture.

 

Even the prestigious University of Urbino Carlo Bo' gives a good example and is taking the time to take a turn to sustainability, using solar and geothermal plants, not only for heating the buildings but also for purposes of study and research of the Faculty of Science and Technology.

 

In addition, in The Marche, there are also many cultural associations that are very sensitive to issues of environmental sustainability and the environment, among them is GRE, Ecological Research Group, which provides specialised training to preserve the identity of The Marche, promote the development of the hinterland and the defence of the coastal environment.

 

Students, researchers and recent graduates from The Marche cooperate closely with the most advanced companies in the area together to develop expertise and best practices on eco brand Made in The Marche.

 

Useful information

Monti Sibillini National Park
Phone: +39 0737 972711
E-mail: parco@sibillini.net
Website: www.sibillini.net

 

Natural Regional Park of Gola della Rossa and Frasassi
Serra San Quirico (AN)
Phone: +39 0731 880030
E-mail: info@parcogolarossa.it
Website: www.parcogoaldellarossa.it

 

Sasso Simone and Simoncello Regional Park
Carpegna (PU)
Phone: +39 0722 770073
E-mail: info@parcosimone.it
Website: www.parcosimone.it

 

Conero Regional Park
Ancona (AN)
Phone: +39 071 9331879
E-mail: infoconero@forestalp.it
Website: www.parcoconero.it

 

Montagna di Torricchio Nature Reserve and WWF Oasis
Camerino (MC)
Phone: +39 0737 404505
E-mail: riserva.torricchio@unicam.it
Website: www.wwf.it

 

Fiastra Abbey Nature Reserve
Urbisaglia (MC)
Telephone: 0733.202942
E-mail: info@meridianasrl.it
Website: www.abbadiadifiastra.net

 

WWF Forest Oasis of Frasass
Genga (AN)
Phone: +39 338 5984638
E-mail: boscofrasassi@wwf.it
Website: www.wwf.it

 

Cultural eco-sustainability:

Museum of Natural Colors
Lamoli, Borgo Pace (PU)
E-mail: museocolori@oasisanbenedetto.it
Website: www.oasisanbenedetto.it

 

Festival of Sustainability
Future village, Ripe San Gines (MC)
E-mail: borgofuturo@gmail.com
Website: www.borgofuturo.net

 

Festival Wandering Ville and Castella
Province of Pesaro-Urbino
Phone: +39 335 6762340
E-mail: ninofinauri(at)alice.it

 

Festival of the Apennines
Ascoli Piceno (AP)
Phone: +39 366 6750186
E-mail: info@festivaldellappennino.it
Website: www.festivaldellappenino.it

 

GreenTG, web TV dedicated to the environment and eco
Website: www.greentg.tv

 

For information on college universities, workshops and courses:

Youth of the Marches
Fermo (FM)
Phone: +39 0734 232285
E-mail: giovanidimarca@provincia.fm.it
Website: www.giovanidimarca.org

 

Polytechnic University of the Marches
Ancona (AN)
Phone: +39 071 2201
E-mail: relazioni.esterne@univpm.it
Website: www.univpm.it

 

University of Urbino Carlo Bo'
Urbino (PU)
Phone: +39 0722 3051
E-mail: informazioni@uniurb.it
Website: www.uniurb.it

 

University of Camerino
Camerino (MC)
Phone: +39 0737 404605
E-mail: orientamento@unicam.it
Website: www.unicam.it

 

University of Macerata
Macerata (MC)
Phone: +39 0733 2581
E-mail: segreteria.fermo@unimc.it
Website: www.unimc.it

 

GRE, Group of Ecological Research
Phone: +39 334 1665731
E-mail: massimo.conte@igredellemarche.org
Website: www.igredellemarche.org

 

Marche Tourism
Via Gentile da Fabriano, 9 - 60125 Ancona, Italy
Tel. 071 8062316- 8062410 Fax 071 8062318
e-mail: comunicazione.turismo@regione.marche.it
Web: www.turismo.marche.it
Facebook: www.facebook.com/marche.tourism
Twitter: @MarcheTourism
Issu: issuu.com/turismomarche
Flick: www.flickr.com/photos/turismomarche