On March 29, the community of Pescosolido will be called upon to vote on an important decision: through a referendum, residents will be able to choose whether a portion of the municipality’s mountainous territory will become part of the Abruzzo, Lazio, and Molise National Park.
This is not merely an administrative decision, but a crucial step concerning the protection of biodiversity, sustainable development, and the very future of the local community.
Why This Referendum Is So Important
A referendum is one of the most direct instruments of democracy. Giving citizens a voice means allowing the community to decide its own fate independently, while assuming collective responsibility.
Voting is essential: not voting means giving up the chance to influence a decision that will have tangible consequences for the region, the local economy, and nature conservation. On the contrary, going to the polls sends a strong message of civic engagement, concern for the common good, and active participation in democratic life.
Joining the Park: A Strategic Choice for the Region
The potential inclusion of part of the Pescosolido territory within the Abruzzo, Lazio, and Molise National Park would represent an extraordinary opportunity. The Park is one of the most important examples of environmental protection in Italy and Europe, and it is essential for the conservation of iconic species such as the Marsican brown bear.
Being part of the Park means:
- strengthening the protection of natural habitats;
- making a tangible contribution to the protection of rare and endangered species;
- becoming part of a network of territories that promote a model of sustainable development.
An opportunity for the community and for young people
The experience of many municipalities in the Apennines shows that the presence of the park can create new economic opportunities, particularly in the nature tourism sector.
Pescosolido possesses a natural and scenic heritage of great value, much of which remains unexplored. Promoting this heritage would attract visitors, create new business opportunities, and offer concrete prospects, especially for younger generations.
There are also local facilities that are currently unused or abandoned and could be renovated and converted into centers for welcoming visitors and promoting the region, helping to revitalize the local economy.
The Role of Salviamo l’Orso
For years, Salviamo l’Orso has been active on the Lazio side of the park—between San Donato Val di Comino, Settefrati, and Picinisco—and we are ready to begin a partnership with the Municipality of Pescosolido should the referendum pass.
We have already held several meetings with Mayor Donato Enrico Bellisario—to whom we extend our full support—to explore various possibilities for collaboration. Among these is the opening of a guesthouse for our volunteers in the village, so that we can carry out a range of activities—from monitoring the Marsican brown bear to maintaining the trail network, as well as providing assistance to the local community by securing chicken coops, barns, and apiaries, as well as support for promoting the area through responsible tourism initiatives.
The goal is twofold: to promote peaceful coexistence between humans and wildlife and to enhance the area in a sustainable manner.
A choice that looks to the future
The March 29 referendum is not just a local vote: it is a decision that speaks to vision, responsibility, and the future. And if the citizens of Pescosolido vote to become part of the Abruzzo, Lazio, and Molise National Park, it means they will have recognized the importance of investing in nature conservation, quality of life, and a development model that puts the local area and its people first.