Five signatures were affixed in the Silone Hall of the Palazzo dell’Emiciclo in L’Aquila, marking the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding titled “The Road That Opens the Doors to the Parks”—a strategic agreement between Strada dei Parchi, the Abruzzo, Lazio, and Molise National Park, the Maiella National Park, the Sirente Velino Regional Park, and the Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga National Park, has become a reality after several months of intense work.
A historic agreement that was established with a clear objective: to promote the natural and tourist heritage of the Abruzzo Apennines, while ensuring the safety of highway users and protecting ecosystems.
A Model of Collaboration for the Environment, Tourism, and Safety
The Protocol, which will last 36 months, is the result of a joint effort and introduces an integrated cooperation model that aims to:
- to promote the regions traversed by the A24 and A25 highways
- improve safety for drivers and wildlife
- strengthen institutional communication
- promote the exchange of data and information
The A24 and A25 highways, which connect Rome to the Adriatic coast and the provinces of Abruzzo, pass through areas of extraordinary natural beauty, making coordinated management between the highway infrastructure and the parks essential.
Highway Safety and Wildlife Protection: Initiatives Already Underway
The collaboration between “strada dei parchi” and the park authorities is not new. In recent years, innovative solutions have already been tested to reduce the risk of accidents involving wildlife.
Highlights include:
- Installation of anti-crossing barriers
- Use of reflective bollards
- strengthening of safety nets
- awareness campaigns for drivers
These measures, developed in coordination with the relevant authorities, provided a solid foundation on which to build the Protocol.
Communication, Data, and Mapping: Actions Outlined in the Agreement
The core of the agreement concerns the development of joint activities at multiple levels:
Regional Development
- joint awareness campaigns
- Digital Communication and Billboards
- organization of events dedicated to the parks of Abruzzo
Safety and Environmental Monitoring
- fauna mapping to identify the most sensitive sections of the highway
- analysis of traffic and accident data
- Reporting of critical issues and targeted interventions
Operational Roles
- “strada dei parchi ” will provide highway space and strategic data
- The park authorities will provide scientific content, technical support, and monitoring activities
Working Group to Coordinate Activities
To ensure the Protocol’s effectiveness, a dedicated Working Group has been established, tasked with planning initiatives, defining timelines and operational procedures, and managing resources and preliminary investigations. This working group plays a key role in translating the agreement into concrete actions on the ground.
An Infrastructure That Serves as a Gateway to the Parks
“The Road That Opens the Doors to the Parks”represents a strategic shift—from a simple connecting infrastructure to an active element in environmental and tourism development. The agreement reinforces an integrated vision in which mobility, sustainability, and the promotion of the region become parts of a single system.
