Environmental and Territorial Challenges
Quarto d'Altino, strategically located between Venice and Treviso, boasts a rich cultural history and valuable natural heritage. However, the community faces significant challenges, including hydraulic risk management and biodiversity conservation. The area, with its green spaces and waterways, is vulnerable to extreme weather events, requiring a proactive approach to ensure safety and sustainability.
Strategic Objectives of the Project
The URBACT project, which involves a wide range of stakeholders from institutional, economic, and third-sector backgrounds, aims to enhance the Altino Civic Center and the surrounding area, transforming it into a green, smart hub for culture, education, and social inclusion. Key planned actions include the renovation of the civic center, creation of green spaces and community event areas, enhancement of bike paths and waterways, and initiatives to raise citizens’ awareness on environmental and cultural issues. Special emphasis is placed on tourism and youth involvement.
Altino is a territory suspended between land and water
The Testing Action: A Participatory Approach
The “testing action” planned under the URBACT project marks a crucial step in Quarto d'Altino’s transformation, providing a unique opportunity for active community involvement. This participatory approach engaged citizens, associations, schools, and professionals, all united by the common goal of improving the area and promoting culture.
During the testing phase, co-creation workshops were organized, allowing residents to share ideas and suggestions for the future of the Civic Center and its surroundings. Through hands-on activities, territory explorations on foot and by bike, historical and archaeological insights, environmental awareness initiatives, and wellness techniques, participants could experience firsthand how their proposals could translate into concrete actions. Additionally, monitoring and evaluation activities were conducted to assess the initiatives’ impact and gather valuable feedback. This process not only fostered a sense of belonging and responsibility within the community but also strengthened the bond between citizens and institutions, creating a collaborative network essential to the project’s success.
Strategic Collaborations and Community Engagement
The success of the URBACT project relies on strong partnerships with schools, universities, local associations, and economic operators. The Municipality has initiated collaborations with institutions such as Ca’ Foscari University, University of Padua, and IUAV to ensure a multidisciplinary and innovative approach. Moreover, active involvement of schools has allowed new generations to learn about sustainability and the importance of culture, promoting a future that is more environmentally aware and respectful.
Teaching in the Altinate territory
Environmental Sustainability and Digital Innovation
The project stands out for its focus on environmental sustainability. Planned initiatives include the development of green spaces and environmental education programs aimed at raising awareness of ecological issues and reducing environmental impact. Furthermore, the Municipality is investing in digital infrastructure to promote digital inclusion and improve access to services, bridging the digital divide and enhancing the community’s digital skills.
Future Vision: An Inclusive and Innovative Civic Center
Looking ahead, the Municipality of Quarto d'Altino envisions an ambitious future for the Civic Center, which aims to become a landmark not only for the local community but also for visitors and neighboring areas. The goal is to transform the center into a green, smart hub, an inclusive and innovative space where various forms of art, culture, and social interaction can thrive.
Planned projects include the creation of multifunctional spaces equipped to host document collections, cultural events, conferences, and creative workshops. There will also be outdoor areas such as gardens and relaxation spaces to promote a culture of sharing and togetherness. The idea is to blend local traditions with modern practices, fostering interaction between generations and cultures.
Additionally, there are plans to implement and promote sustainable mobility solutions, such as pedestrian and cycling paths connecting the Civic Center to other areas of interest in the city, making the location accessible to all. This approach aims not only to make the Civic Center a place of culture but also to promote a healthy and active lifestyle among residents.
Participatory archaeology in the Altinate lagoon
Education and Awareness: A Collective Commitment
Education and awareness are central to Quarto d'Altino’s project, as they are key to building a conscious and responsible community. Through a series of educational initiatives for various age groups, the Municipality seeks to instill values of sustainability, environmental respect, and active participation.
Schools are a fundamental pillar of this commitment. The Municipality is planning community awareness events, such as conferences and exhibitions, that aim to engage citizens in discussions on issues relevant to the area. These events provide an opportunity to exchange ideas and best practices, fostering constructive dialogue among different sectors of society.
Active citizen involvement is essential to ensuring that initiatives align with the community’s needs and expectations. Through a collective and participatory approach, Quarto d'Altino aims to build a future where every community member feels involved and responsible for their surroundings.
Conclusion: A Model of Sustainable Development
Quarto d'Altino demonstrates that even smaller communities can serve as models of sustainable development. Through collective commitment, creativity, and inclusion, the Municipality tackles environmental and social challenges with determination. Supported by the URBACT program, Quarto d'Altino is ready to build a bright future for generations to come, celebrating diversity and fostering social cohesion.
In this journey toward a sustainable future, Quarto d'Altino is not just a place but a vibrant, dynamic community committed to creating a better environment for everyone.
Sustainable tourism in the Altinate lagoon
Article written by Daniele Terzariol , November 2024, Quarto d'Altino
