Proposal for the “Monte Po-Vallone Acquicella Sub Urban Territorial Park” (Catania, Italy): an experience of participatory environmental democracy

Abstract

The authors present the proposal for the establishment of the Monte Po-Vallone Acquicella Sub Urban Territorial Park covering a total area of about 220 ha from the Monte Po hill (north-west of Catania, Italy) to the mouth of the Acquicella river along its course. The objective of establishing the Park is the protection of the landscape, naturalistic and cultural values being part of its territory. At the same time, the park would consolidate the function of reconnecting the urban complex of the historic part of the city with the peripheral neighborhoods that arose over time to the west of the Acquicella river, contributing to resolve its marginality. Furthermore, the Park would represent a significant green lung available for sustainable fruition for the benefit of the Catania community and not only, given its contiguity and proximity to other important urban centres. The different aspects of the proposal are then illustrated.