Environmental preservation and sustainability of MTB destinations will be the core topic on day 2 of the IMBA Europe Summit, the prestigious European think-tank on mountain biking, taking place in Folgarida (Val di Sole, Trentino) from June 1st to 4th
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Without nature and its richness, there would be no Mountain Biking. Environmental preservation must be a core area of focus for any bike destination manager.
On Friday, June 3rd, the second day of the IMBA Europe Summit, whose 10th edition takes place from June 1st to 4th in Folgarida (Val di Sole, Trentino, Northern Italy), the between the MTB activity and the surrounding areas will be the key area of focus. The ultimate goal is to support sustainable tourism while preserving wilderness.
The destination managers of two renowned areas of Trentino for biking, Fabio Sacco (Val di Sole Tourism Board) and Luca D’Angelo (Dolomiti Paganella Tourism Board) will be called up to the speakers' table at the IMBA Europe Summit on Friday, June 3rd, to tell their approach and initiatives in terms of environmental protection, notably in two areas with very different strategies for their development as bike destinations.
Since 2008, Val di Sole Bikeland has elected to rely on World-class events such as the Mountain Bike World Championships and the Mountain Bike World Cup as triggers to enhance the destination’s awareness and impulse to the bike development. Instead, Dolomiti Paganella Bike’s plan didn’t rely as much on top international MTB events, while working consistently in the development of bike facilities and trails into a deep and varied offer.
Like Dolomiti Paganella Bike, Val di Sole Bikeland committed itself to sustainable initiatives, including the realization of the World’s first plastic-free ski area - Pejo 3000 - and the "Uno su un Milione" (One out of a million) experience on the water and environmental protection: a meaningful vision for the area’s future, in which cycling mobility is a cornerstone of a greater scheme.
“Nowadays, it is impossible to manage a bike destination like Val di Sole without putting in place energies and resources to protect the environment when we work on the trails. In addition, our job is to encourage our visitors to respect simple rules of behavior”, explains Sacco.
“Val di Sole boasts a great history in international events – Sacco continued – which could affect the ecological balance of the area if we didn’t take all the necessary measures, such as the limitation of plastic usage, waste recycling and reduction. The organization of the IMBA Europe Summit, together with the first edition of Val di Sole BikeFest, give us the opportunity to show all the facets of our bike products and attract new people to our destination. Sustainable tourism must be regarded as a priority of our present and future.”
After a recap of day 1 by IMBA Europe President Thomas Larsen Schmidt, the program for Friday, June 3rd, also features the speeches of Allegra Tourism's CEO Domenico Bergamin and World Trails’ Director Glen Jacobs. Jacobs will talk about the development of bike destinations all over the World. In addition, digital marketing specialist Raphaël Chapalain will discuss how the pandemic shifted long-term use trends in parks and on trails. Linda Xhaferi-Salihu, from UN Climate Change, will bring focus on the project “Sports for Climate Action” framework.
The Day 2 afternoon program will be dedicated to round tables, followed by the outdoor activity on the legendary Black Snake, the most demanding track of the Val di Sole Bike Park in Commezzadura.
For further information on IMBA Europe Summit: LINK
Online registrations are open on www.valdisolebikeland.com.
The “Full Summit” ticket including all activities is priced at 299 €, while it is only 179 € for IMBA Europe members.
The ticket for the first two days of workshops (June 2-3) is available for 200 €, while 119 € for IMBA Europe members. Single-day entries come at a price of 115 €, and 69 € for IMBA Europe members.
