#Submission
SETIN contributed to the environmental assessment of the Magic Italy Center (MIC) Project – “I Sentieri di Ermes”, an initiative focused on the development of a cycle tourism network in the Italian regions of Abruzzo, Lazio and Marche. The project was developed within the three regions affected by the 2009 and 2016–2017 earthquakes and is part of the Complementary Fund to the National Recovery and Resilience Plan for the Earthquake-Affected Areas, under the Next Appennino programme.
The project involves the development of the largest e-bike trail network in Central Italy, comprising 29 routes and 800 km, with the aim of promoting sustainable mobility and the tourism valorization of the territory, including its natural, historical and cultural heritage. It covers 26 municipalities: Terano, L’Aquila, Campotosto, Montereale, Scoppito, Castel del Monte, Capestrano, Navelli, Collarmele, Fossa, Poggio Picenze, San Demetrio ne’ Vestini, Lucoli, Ovindoli, Amatrice, Torre de’ Passeri, Colledara, Campli, Valle Castellana, Cortino, Civitella del Tronto, Pietracamela, Castelli, Tornimparte, Rocca Santa Maria and Acquasanta Terme.
The project concerns the construction, supply and installation of equipment for the cycling routes, namely equipment for rest areas, information panels and route signage. The rest areas were designed as integrated elements of street furniture and information points for the cycling routes, located in already equipped public areas and implemented using low environmental impact solutions, in compliance with Minimum Environmental Criteria, the Do No Significant Harm principle, and the required safety distances from the roadway.
On behalf of SETIN, Alessandro Piazzi, Environmental Assessment Manager, and Riccardo Leone, Environmental Assessment Specialist, participated in the project by preparing and delivering the Appropriate Assessments (VIncA) for the three regions, as the project affects approximately 25 Natura 2000 sites, including Special Protection Areas, Special Areas of Conservation and Sites of Community Importance.
The three assessments covered the following parks and municipalities: In Abruzzo, including the Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga National Park and Sirente Velino Mountain System; In Lazio, concerning the Municipality of Amatrice (RI) within the Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga National Park; and in Marche Region, concerning the Municipality of Acquasanta Terme (AP).
