"Slow" Projects and Characteristics of the Municipality of Nicolosi

Environmental Protection and Energy: Situated within Etna Park, the territory safeguards biodiversity and has held UNESCO recognition for the "Mount Etna" natural site since 2013. The Municipality has joined the Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy and approved the SECAP (Resolution no. 91/2023) to boost renewable energy use. Solar panels have been installed on public buildings, and the entire street lighting system is being converted to LED to reduce energy consumption and light pollution. A "tap water" distribution service (water kiosks) has been established, and door-to-door waste sorting reached 80% in 2023 (supported by the free distribution of bins and bags for glass, plastic, dry waste, paper, and organic waste). Plans are currently being developed—in consultation with the company E-PRIMA s.r.l.—to establish local Energy Communities.

Urban Quality and Resilience: Recent (2023) large-scale redevelopment projects have covered Piazza V. Emanuele, Anselmi Municipal Park, the Monti Rossi sports area, schools, the nursery school, and the municipal gymnasium. These efforts are complemented by the planting of greenery in the Monti Rossi Urban Park to strengthen ecological resilience. The municipality also adopted guidelines for remote working during the COVID-19 pandemic. Regarding ICT innovations, interactive maps of monuments and information panels for Park trails are in use, while fiber-optic cabling is being rolled out along the main backbone by Open Fiber. Infrastructure and Mobility: A project is underway—as part of the FUA (Functional Urban Area) partnership (2022–2027)—to construct a bicycle path along the "Ciapparazzo" route, in collaboration with the neighboring municipalities of Pedara and Trecastagni. Meanwhile, to support alternative mobility, the administration has installed three electric vehicle charging stations at various locations. All municipal facilities open to the public are fully accessible and equipped with ramps.

Agriculture, Local Products, and Traditions: The crafting of glazed lava stone is a source of great artisanal pride. This craft, along with the area's rural heritage, is preserved within the "Museum of Peasant Culture and Glazed Lava Stone." Additionally, courses are organized to safeguard dying traditions, such as the weaving of *panari* (traditional grape baskets). Regarding gastronomy, Municipal Executive Resolution GM-2012-034 established the De.C.O. (Municipal Designation of Origin) status for "Pani di Immanu," a typical local rye bread. School meal services ensure a significant proportion of organic, regional, and locally sourced (zero-mile) products.

Hospitality, Health, and Social Cohesion: With 394 non-hotel accommodation beds serving a population of approximately 7,613, Nicolosi has a well-established capacity for hosting visitors. Its commitment to hospitality extends to healthcare services, including the local medical emergency service (*Guardia Medica*) and integrated regional health cooperation. Youth engagement is high, thanks to the establishment of the Children's and Youth Municipal Council, as well as the activities of the Youth Center and the library. For the elderly, an efficient Day Center operates right in the town center. List of Events (Supporting Initiatives)

The promotion of local traditions is reflected in a robust schedule of recurring events and community-building activities:

Food and Wine Events: Annual organization of events such as "Dalla Granita al Pane" (From Granita to Bread), "Sapori d'Autunno" (Flavors of Autumn), and "Mercatini di Primavera" (Spring Markets)—key occasions offering tastings of local specialties and wines and oils from the Etna region.

Etna Artisan Exhibition: Recurring exhibitions showcasing the work of local artisans and master craftspeople, with a special focus on creations made from glazed lava stone (including projects involving local schools).

Cultural and Nature-Focused Events: Initiatives such as "Sunrise on Etna," the "Etna Guides' Torchlight Procession," and traditional patron saint festivals, all aimed at promoting slow, experiential tourism.

Health Education: Public health meetings and campaigns—such as breast cancer screening programs conducted in partnership with the local health authority (ASP)—and free public courses on the use of municipal defibrillators.