The Euganean Hills are officially candidates to become a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, a significant milestone for the Veneto area. The application dossier, signed by the mayors of all 15 municipalities involved, was submitted to the UNESCO authorities in 2021. This step starts the process that is expected to conclude by 2024 with the official announcement of the recognition.
The application, backed by the Veneto Region, aims to promote sustainable development that harmonises the conservation of ecosystems with socio-economic progress. If recognised, the Euganean Hills will join a global network of sites that promote sustainability and biodiversity, thereby strengthening their role as a model of environmental management.
The application also represents an opportunity for the area to gain international visibility and access funding for environmental protection projects. However, some environmental associations have voiced concerns about the future management of the Reserve, fearing that recognition could lead to excessive tourist exploitation at the expense of conservation.
