"Slow" Projects and Characteristics of the Municipality of Gioi

Environmental Protection and Energy: Situated at 685 meters above sea level in the heart of the Cilento, Vallo di Diano and Alburni National Park, Gioi boasts excellent air quality and rich forest biodiversity. Waste management achieves a 70% separate collection rate, supported by a 15% reduction in the waste tax (TARI) for residents who practice home composting. Wastewater is fully treated (100%) by the CONSAC consortium. Solar panels installed on various public buildings (Town Hall, school complex, new retirement home) ensure 30% energy savings, while the public street lighting network is dimmed by 50% after midnight to reduce light pollution and energy consumption.

Urban Quality and Infrastructure: The new Municipal Urban Plan (PUC) adopts strict sustainability guidelines: it halts new developments on former agricultural land and promotes the restoration of abandoned historic buildings, offering zoning incentives to encourage local artisan workshops and shops. Public spaces are free of architectural barriers. Plans are underway for an "on-demand taxi" service, networked with other municipalities in the Park, to facilitate commuting to railway stations. The town features a 24-hour emergency medical center (SAUT), supported by a defibrillator located in the town square.

Rural Development and Agriculture: As the town lies within a protected area (Cilento National Park), the use of GMOs is strictly prohibited. The Municipality has signed the "Matera Charter" for the future of agriculture and promotes rural revitalization through Measure 125 of the Rural Development Programme (PSR). Local products benefit from strong identity-based protection thanks to small, dedicated artisan workshops—most notably for *Soppressata di Gioi* (a Slow Food Presidium product) and traditional *Fusilli di Gioi* pasta.

Slow Tourism, Hiking Trails, and Museums: Due to elevation constraints that make a dedicated bicycle lane network unfeasible, the village invests heavily in nature and historical trails. A hiking network spanning over 20 km has been restored—including the ancient "Silk Road" (*Via della Seta*) connecting Gioi to Stio—and enhanced with proper signage and maps (funded by PSR Measure 227). Ethnographic heritage is showcased through the MIG Ecomuseum (Interactive Museum of Gioi), funded by Measure 313. Non-hotel accommodation relies on B&Bs (such as "L'Oasi" and "Bellavista") located in historic homes or agritourism farmhouses.

Social Cohesion, Health, and Participation: The adoption of the Municipal Urban Plan (PUC) resulted from a two-year bottom-up strategic planning process that actively involved local associations and neighborhood committees. A key highlight is the commitment to health: since 2010, Gioi has led the "Genome Project" (conducted by the CNR in Naples), which studies the impact of longevity and genetics in relation to the village's isolated lifestyle and healthy local diet. In terms of social welfare, a new public residential facility for the elderly has recently opened, and local women receive support through the "Piano di Zona" (local social services plan).

List of Events

Local events strongly emphasize the connection between the community, short-supply-chain products, and proper nutrition:

Festa del Belvedere: A traditional event held in August; it promotes local products through food, wine, and art trails within the historic center.

School Project "... e vai con la frutta" ("... and Go with Fruit"): Conducted by the Municipality in collaboration with the CCM (National Center for Disease Prevention and Control), this project aims to promote healthy childhood eating habits to combat obesity.

Participatory Medical-Scientific Studies: Ongoing citizen involvement in monitoring activities for the Genome Project, which aims to highlight the "Mediterranean diet" deeply rooted in the village's social fabric.