"Slow" Projects and Characteristics of the Municipality of Sant'Agata di Puglia

Environmental Protection and Energy: The territory spans approximately 12,000 hectares—including 900 hectares of woodland—which is constantly monitored by the Municipality through cleanup and reforestation activities, and supervised by the Provincial Wildlife Observatory and hunting associations. Water treatment is 75% managed by the *Acquedotto Pugliese* (Apulian Aqueduct), and a "door-to-door" waste sorting system has been in place since 2011 (achieving an actual sorted waste rate of approximately 34%). The Municipality won the strategic "Alterenergy" project, which ensures significant energy efficiency upgrades for public buildings (schools, the former "La Cisterna" hotel), the installation of a biomass plant (500 kWe cogeneration) serving the swimming pool and sports hall, and the regulatory compliance of public lighting.

Urban Quality and Resilience: The morphological layout of the historic village fosters a tranquil pace of life, while a Limited Traffic Zone (ZTL) curbs traffic and reduces noise pollution in the town center. Mobility is supported by a continuous shuttle service and a school bus service. Architectural barriers have been removed from key buildings, and the new PIRP project includes the construction of panoramic elevators connecting the settlement's various levels. Regarding ICT services, the *Castello Federiciano* (Frederick's Castle) offers a multimedia tourist route and serves as an information point, complemented by the expansion of the municipal Wi-Fi network. Agriculture, Local Products, and Traditions: Rural areas feature extensive crop cultivation—particularly wheat—entirely free of GMOs, managed by owners in accordance with the new Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) guidelines; numerous private vegetable gardens, orchards, and olive groves are cultivated without chemical treatments. Commitment to biodiversity is also demonstrated through participation in an olive biodiversity conservation project with the University of Bari. School and elderly care facility canteens use artisanal bread from the village's two historic bakeries and locally sourced olive oil. The village also boasts a historic 16th-century underground olive mill (*trappeto*), a tangible symbol of the town's olive oil culture.

Social Cohesion and Participation: A comprehensive package of financial aid supports the population and families, including incentives for newborns, rent rebates, mortgage relief for first-time homebuyers, and grants for starting new businesses. Gender and parenting policies are implemented through a subsidized municipal nursery, family counseling centers, and integration projects for people with disabilities (e.g., deaf children). Through monthly public assemblies, the new administration shares its activities using a bottom-up approach.

Hospitality and Slow Tourism: Non-hotel accommodation capacity meets the needs of 15% of the resident population. The local tourist association (*Pro Loco*) offers guided tours and authorized guides, and equipped rest areas for camper vans are available. The administration promotes the restoration of the town's visual appeal (via a grant scheme for renovating historic center facades) and actively supports events promoted by Slow Food (such as the "Disfida del soffritto" cooking contest). List of Events

Feast of Saint Agatha: Celebrations featuring young women dressed in the Saint's traditional attire who distribute blessed, breast-shaped unleavened bread.

Feast of Saint Blaise: A religious and folk event featuring the blessing and distribution of throat-shaped unleavened bread.

Agricultural Festival: An annual event featuring tastings that promotes and preserves the flavors and quality of locally grown produce.

Summer Festivals, Living Nativity, and "Cicce Cuotte": Numerous seasonal events celebrating traditional culinary recipes, including the preparation of "Cicce cuotte" (a traditional dish of boiled grains and legumes) for All Souls' Day.