Institutional Committee

The territorially relevant authorities (37 in total) signed a protocol in July 2025, committing to support and assist in every aspect related to the designation of the “Evaporitic Karst and Caves of the Northern Apennines” as a World Heritage Site. They also commit to establishing the Institutional Committee (alternatively: Coordination of Institutions or Supporters’ Council).

Furthermore, the signatory authorities, in synergy with other local stakeholders, pledge to collaborate in promoting, within the affected territories, each according to their competences and fields of intervention, actions, projects, programs, and strategies focused on the development of the following key areas:

• the protection of environmental balance and the safeguarding of both surface and subterranean ecosystems;

• the protection and conservation of geosites and the specific geological landscape of the Gypsum formations;

• the enhancement of the historical, cultural, social, and archaeological aspects of the territories;

• environmental education for the local population and visitors to the protected areas and neighboring zones;

• sustainable territorial development through best practices and the promotion of economic activities.

The Memorandum of Understanding has a duration of five (5) years, renewable.

Moreover, the authorities agree on the governance and general objectives of the overall management strategy for the candidate areas according to UNESCO standards, delegating the Emilia-Romagna Region to approve the nomination proposal.

Memorandum of Unferstanding (PDF - 2,5 MB) - ITALIANO