The Rocca di Cerere UNESCO Global Geopark in Rome for the Enhancement of Intangible Cultural Heritage

Tuesday, June 17, 2025 – Carpitella Hall, Central Institute for Intangible Heritage (ICPI), Rome

The Rocca di Cerere UNESCO Global Geopark took center stage in Rome at a high-profile national event, organized in collaboration with the Central Institute for Intangible Heritage (ICPI), dedicated to the theme: “Rocca di Cerere UNESCO Global Geopark and the Enhancement of Intangible Cultural Heritage.”

The event was held on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the European Landscape Convention—signed in Florence in 2000—and is part of the initiatives promoted by Si.M.Geo – Ecomuseum System of the Rocca di Cerereand the GAL Rocca di Cerere Geopark area.

A Dialogue Between Geodiversity and Culture
This meeting served as an important opportunity to reflect on the deep connection between geodiversity and intangible cultural heritage. The geological and geomorphological features of a territory not only shape its natural identity but also influence the knowledge, practices, and traditions of the communities that inhabit it.

The event aimed to raise awareness of geodiversity as both a cultural and environmental resource, promoting an integrated vision of the landscape that brings together science, culture, and sustainability.

The Si.M.Geo Project: A Network of Ecomuseums for the Territory
Through the Si.M.Geo project, the Rocca di Cerere UNESCO Global Geopark proposes the creation of a network of diffused ecomuseums involving the municipalities of Aidone, Assoro, Calascibetta, Enna, Leonforte, Nissoria, Piazza Armerina, Valguarnera Caropepe, and Villarosa. This is a dynamic system for enhancing the connections between geological heritage, cultural identity, and collective memory, in line with the principles of the 2030 Agenda.

Event Program
The meeting opened with institutional greetings from:
• Leandro Ventura, Director of ICPI
• Alessia Amorfini, National Coordinator of UNESCO Global Geoparks
• Michele Sabatino, President of Rocca di Cerere UNESCO Global Geopark

Followed by presentations from:
• Aurelio Angelini, Co-President of the National Committee for Education for Sustainable Development – UNESCO Agenda 2030
• Michele Filippo Fontefrancesco, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore

The Si.M.Geo project presentation was led by:
• Marcello Troìa, Director of Rocca di Cerere Geopark
• Angelo Boscarino, CEO of BIA srl and Project Manager

The roundtable discussion, moderated by Giuseppe Oddo, featured contributions from:
• Luciano Di Martino, Director of the Maiella National Park
• Luigi Bloise, Director of the Pollino National Park
• Andrea Rolando, Politecnico di Milano
• Vincenzo Santoro, Head of the Department of Culture, Tourism, and Agriculture – ANCI
• Marcello Troìa, Rocca di Cerere Geopark

To close the event, Leandro Ventura, Director of ICPI, presented a draft memorandum of understanding for the enhancement of Intangible Heritage within UNESCO Global Geoparks.