"Slow" Projects and Characteristics of the Municipality of Salorno

Environmental Protection and Energy: The separate waste collection rate stands at 60.87% (equivalent to 942,840 kg out of a total of 1,549,000 kg). The Municipality employs rigorous wastewater treatment: the main town and the hamlet of Pochi are served by a treatment plant, while a phytodepuration (natural filtration) system is planned for the locality of Cauria. To boost energy savings and the use of renewable sources, a photovoltaic system was installed on the middle school roof in 2015, alongside an electricity-generating turbine on a branch of the water supply network. Since 2003, public lighting has been progressively replaced to reduce light pollution (with complete replacement underway since 2015).

Urban Quality and Infrastructure: Salorno is implementing an urban plan to revitalize the historic centers of the main town and the hamlet of Cauria through the renewal of paving, street furniture, the restoration of fountains, and the installation of tourist signage. Digital infrastructure plans include a fiber-optic masterplan covering the entire territory (with connections established in 2015 for Pochi and the artisan zone) and support for teleworking. The "Klimahouse" protocol is applied to all new building construction. Regarding sustainable mobility, a cycling project connecting the historic center to the railway station and the provincial Verona-Bressanone cycle path is nearing completion and includes ample bicycle parking facilities. Agriculture, Local Products, and Traditions: To protect the local supply chain, the Municipality limits the designation of new building zones on former agricultural land, opting instead to repurpose existing building volumes. The Urban Plan safeguards a historic, centuries-old "100-year-old Lagrein" vineyard located in the heart of the main town. The agricultural sector features numerous biodynamic wineries, and protocols are in place to ensure the use of organic and local products in nursery and school canteens. Traditional projects—such as the "rye bread" initiative in Cauria—are implemented, and agricultural heritage is preserved through the "ex Isidor" museum of traditional trades, which houses a mill, a water-powered forge, and ancient lime kilns.

Hospitality and Slow Tourism: Salorno offers hiking opportunities along historic and nature trails such as the "Dürer Trail," the "Old Lakes Trail," the "Via Claudia Augusta," and the European E5 long-distance path. Non-hotel accommodation options include farm stays and the "Casa Josef Noldin" youth hostel. Participatory, bottom-up initiatives involving the local population are actively promoted; a prime example is the "Territorial Economic Masterplan," developed in collaboration with EURAC, which integrates the local economy, tourism, and agriculture.

Social Cohesion, Health, and Participation: A distinctive feature is the exceptionally high level of civic engagement: with a population of 3,700, the town boasts over 70 associations (involving more than 18% of residents). These include volunteer groups like "L'Arcobaleno," where volunteers help foreign students with their homework to prevent social exclusion—fostering integration among 12 ethnic groups without the formation of "ghetto" neighborhoods. Key solidarity projects are supported, such as the "Time Bank," the "Grandparent Crossing Guards" (*Nonni Vigili*) program, home meal deliveries, community gardens, and the "Pedibus" service.

List of Events 

Historic Perkeo Carnival: A festive reenactment promoting the revival of old traditions and local artisanal crafts.

Krampus Tradition: A distinctive folklore celebration featuring a parade of traditional devils accompanying Saint Nicholas.

St. Martin’s Parade: A traditional and atmospheric autumn parade featuring characteristic lanterns.

Events by Historical Associations: Socio-cultural events actively organized by the town band and the *Schützen* companies.