"The Masterplans, as we have conceived them, represent an avant-garde way of managing the planning of our Valleys, in a coordinated and synergistic way", thus begins the director of ERS-BV, Manuel Cereda.
Objective: to transform the territory's great potential into concrete projects that contribute to creating and networking knowledge.
The process of the "Masterplan of the Municipalities of the Blenio and Leventina Valleys"
At the end of a preparation phase that lasted about a year, which involved representatives of local authorities, civil society, companies and organizations active in the area, the project promoted by the Municipalities, coordinated by the Regional Authority for the development of Bellinzonese and Valli (ERS -BV) with the support of the Bellinzonese and Alto Ticino Regional Tourist Organization (OTRBAT), enters the operational phase with two different paths: the creation of two interactive platforms (www.masterplanvallediblenio.ch e www.masterplanleventina.ch), conceived as a place for reflection and exchange for the entire population.
Valle di Blenio was the first in Ticino, in 2013, to have embarked on the path of the Masterplan, the implementation of which took place with full satisfaction of the actors in the area. By virtue of this, the Municipalities wanted to follow up on the important efforts made by proceeding with the elaboration of a new strategic document which could constitute a further step in the maturation of the project.
The structure reflects that of a "Vision 2035", divided into six main areas: Territorial heritage, Living, Working, Tourism, Mobility and Digitization. Thematic strands have been identified within each chapter and a working group will be created for each of these, the second important step in moving on to an operational implementation phase of the Masterplans.
The declarations regarding the "Masterplan of the Municipalities of the Blenio and Leventina Valleys"
“During the first phase of work – explained the director of ERS-BV, Manuel Cereda – we took care to guarantee the involvement of a part of the territory. We have seen first-hand the willingness to collaborate, as well as the belief that the projects will benefit the whole region".
The implementation of the ideas in concrete initiatives will be coordinated by the ERS Valle Leventina and Valle di Blenio Antennas, with the collaboration of a strategic Group already active during the preparatory phase and of the OTR-BAT for the tourist aspects. The director Juri Clericetti highlights: “This project represents a strengthening of our strategy: the axes and products are aligned with the strands of the two Masterplans. I believe that, in this way, the best framework conditions are created for the emergence of new ideas, with a harmonious common spirit and under the banner of concreteness. At the same time, the platforms make it possible to analyze the opportunities and challenges that the territories are facing".
The project is supported by the Department of Finance and the Economy (DFE) through the regional economic policy in particular within the framework of the programmatic objective in favor of peripheral regions. The director of the Economic Division of the DFE Stephen Rizzi he declares: “As DFE we are very happy that what we can define as the “masterplan path”, launched by the Canton in 2015, is proving to be a winning approach and above all followed with conviction by the regions involved. It is no coincidence that this way of working is also viewed with interest by other Swiss regions, representing an excellent model of regional development that comes from below with the involvement of all the stakeholders of a region. This participatory approach, which also integrates the needs of the resident population, allows the territory to share a vision for the development of its region. Precisely for this reason, the regional economic policy provides for the possibility of using the funds provided for within the specific framework credit made available by the Canton, which will also be subject to renewal with a forthcoming message from the Council of State also for the period 2024 - 2027. As far as the Bellinzonese and Valli region is concerned, we particularly appreciated the willingness and ability of the ERS to coordinate the updating works of the Valle di Blenio Masterplan at the same time as the launch of the Leventina Masterplan, in order to jointly address also the cross-cutting challenges affecting peripheral regions.”
“Today a centralized vision is essential – he underlines Claudia Boschetti Straub, mayor of the Municipality of Blenio -. If everyone proceeded alone, there would be a great risk of duplication and disunited and inconsistent designs. The Masterplan guarantees a solid reference structure that coordinates and optimizes the activities, guaranteeing a general framework. At the same time, each project acts as a driving force for the other with the aim of a true 360° promotion”. For his part Conrad Nastasi, mayor of Faido, points out: “It is a great opportunity for dialogue between the Municipalities of the Valley to find new synergies, with the shared hope of a real relaunch of the whole district. It is important to think like Valle in order to be complementary and functional and not in competition: it is a first concrete step towards a stronger and more united region".
