“Dialogues Around UNESCO Recognitions”: At Palazzo Trigona, a Conversation on the Shared Future of Territorial Heritage

July 30, 2025 – Palazzo Trigona

A seminar among institutions and local stakeholders to build new strategies for integrated cultural enhancement.

On Wednesday, July 30, 2025, the historic halls of Palazzo Trigona in Piazza Armerina hosted the seminar “Dialogues Around UNESCO Recognitions: Shared Governance Strategies for Territorial Heritage”, promoted as part of the Si.M.Geo – Ecomuseum System of the Rocca di Cerere UNESCO Global Geopark project.

The event offered a valuable opportunity for discussion among institutions, cultural professionals, and local stakeholders, aimed at developing shared models for the management and promotion of cultural heritage—overcoming the fragmentation of current governance systems and envisioning new forms of cooperation and integrated access.

A Rich Territory United by a Common Matrix
The municipalities involved – Aidone, Assoro, Calascibetta, Enna, Leonforte, Nissoria, Valguarnera, Villarosa, and Piazza Armerina – not only share a UNESCO-recognized geological matrix, but also a wealth of archaeological sites, historic centers, expressions of intangible heritage, and internationally significant landmarks such as the Villa Romana del Casale, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

This effort falls within the vision of a developing ecomuseum network, aiming to build a coordinated, accessible, and community-based cultural system, one that restores centrality to local heritage through shared governance tools.

Cultural Governance and Best Practices: At the Heart of the Seminar
The event opened with institutional greetings by Michele Sabatino, President of the Rocca di Cerere UNESCO Global Geopark, followed by a keynote speech by Vincenzo Santoro, Head of the Department of Culture, Tourism, and Agriculture at ANCI, who provided a broad perspective on the opportunities and challenges related to cultural development in inland areas.

A roundtable discussion, moderated by Angelo Boscarino, then brought together key figures from the Sicilian cultural and institutional landscape:
• Vincenzo Santoro (ANCI)
• Marcello Troìa, Director of the Rocca di Cerere UNESCO Global Geopark
• Carmelo Nicotra, Director of the Archaeological Park of Morgantina and the Villa Romana del Casale

The dialogue highlighted the importance of moving beyond localism and building territorial synergies, promoting the co-design of museum systems, cultural routes, and landscape interpretation centers, with a focus on sustainability and community participation.

Toward a New Model of Heritage Enhancement
The seminar provided concrete insights and forward-looking visions, paving the way for the creation of innovative cultural governance that sees UNESCO heritage—both tangible and intangible—not only as a legacy to protect, but as a driver of territorial development and cohesion.