(October 13, 2016) Abruzzo and Czech Republic closer and closer. The Region has participated for the second consecutive year at the Barcolana fair, one of the events that traditionally precede the historic sailing regatta that is held annually in the Gulf of Trieste on the second Sunday of October. The Abruzzo’s stand was set up with the support of the Assessor to the Parks, Reserves and mountain, Public Works, Town Planning, Emigrants and local traditions, Donato Di Matteo, in order to introduce and promote the area, hospitality and regional agri-food products to operators of Slovenia, Croatia, Austria, Germany and Czech Republic. And it is precisely to Prague that Assessor Di Matteo is looking at since he took office in June 2014. He has placed at the center of his agenda the respect for natural areas and local traditions, with the aim to promote Abruzzo’s uniqueness even outside its region. An operational plan which forms part of the policy orientations for the realization of government actions dictated by the President of the Abruzzo Region, Luciano D’Alfonso, particularly as regards the link between the promotion of culture and tourist attractions, including the landscape and environmental protection and rural and commercial development. In a message sent on the occasion of the Barcolana to the Italian Ambassador in the Czech Republic, Aldo Amati, Councillor Di Matteo has outlined the path that he intends to undertake in the coming months. “Since I took office I have encouraged the establishment of a network of parks and reserves that can implement a protection and growth model of the ‘green region of Europe’ – said Di Matteo – Without neglecting the promotion of the social and cultural component of the regional community, as a guarantee of sustainable and lasting development, as well as vehicular factor in an ever closer union among the peoples of Europe. So well it is placed within this action – the councilor added – an exchange of relations for the promotion of Abruzzo in the Czech Republic thus identifying new horizons of development for the future of our territories, which share the green areas , considered jewels of Europe, care and dissemination of many traditions and excellent food”. The ambassador Amati has accepted the request and offered to support the Abruzzo Region through the organization of workshops with Czech tour operators and traders, as well as promoting dialogue with the business community and with local institutions. “The parks and reserves, with their work to preserve flora, fauna and environmental ecosystems, represent at the same time an instrument of protection and a territorial growth driver – said Italian diplomat – Natural resources, combined with a food and wine culture of great value and with a rich heritage of traditions, are an important driving force for tourism and for the economic development of Abruzzo as well as being of great interest for the citizens and for the industry of the Czech Republic”, concluded Amati. (red)
