"Slow" Initiatives and Characteristics of the Municipality of Travacò Siccomario

Environmental Protection and Energy: The area benefits from the presence of the Ticino Valley Lombard Park, which ensures the preservation of biodiversity. The significant "Great Forest Between Two Rivers" (*Grande Foresta tra due fiumi*) nature area has been established. The "door-to-door" waste sorting system, active since 2010, consistently achieves a rate exceeding 80% (earning the municipality a "Riciclone" award in the Province of Pavia). The municipality incentivizes home composting by offering a 10% reduction on the waste management tax (TARI). A photovoltaic system installed on a public building (the municipal gym) actively contributes to the energy balance. Furthermore, the administration has joined the Covenant of Mayors to reduce energy consumption and plans to completely upgrade public lighting to directional LED systems.

Sustainable Mobility and Infrastructure: Travacò Siccomario has constructed over 8 km of dedicated cycle-pedestrian paths. When integrated with the levee network and local roads (adding approximately 22 km), these allow for safe travel across roughly 90% of the municipal territory and provide a direct link between the village and the city of Pavia. A free bike-sharing service operates in the hamlet of Chiavica. Additionally, the municipality is part of "La via dei Cairoli," an inter-municipal cycling route running along the banks of the Ticino River.

Urban Quality and Resilience: The Territorial Government Plan (PGT) mandates "zero growth" for the urban area: new construction is permitted only through the redevelopment of brownfield or infill sites—avoiding the consumption of new agricultural land—while also protecting designated scenic views. Citizens have access to an "Energy Saving Desk"—providing support and ideas for eco-friendly living at home—as well as free Wi-Fi services at libraries and public hotspots.

Agriculture, Local Products, and Traditions: Honoring the area's historic horticultural heritage (long threatened by intensive farming), the administration is promoting the conversion of a large municipal plot (approx. 26,000 sqm) into community vegetable gardens and orchards dedicated to traditional crops. A municipal label (De.Co.) is currently being developed to complement the Ticino Park brand. Through an Executive Committee resolution, the Municipality has adopted the guidelines of the Slow Food "Pensa che Mensa" project for school catering, committing to a ban on GMO products.

Social Cohesion and Participation: The administration has approved "Active Citizenship" regulations to encourage residents to help care for the local area in exchange for tax incentives. Welfare services cater to all age groups, featuring a day center for the elderly, the "Spazio Teen" social hub for adolescents, and substantial investment (approx. €44,000 in 2014) in school support services for students with disabilities. Through the library, the "Shangri La" project, and "living books" initiatives, the administration actively fosters the intercultural integration of immigrant women.

List of Events

Village Festival: A traditional festival held during the second week of September, aimed at preserving local cultural events and ancient musical and culinary traditions. "Zero-mile" Market: Held on a recurring basis (such as the one in the Rotta district in partnership with Coldiretti) to encourage residents to buy healthy food and to shorten the food supply chain.

Library Initiatives: Ongoing civic education events—such as courses on "Healthy Cooking" or organic gardening—aimed at prevention and nutritional education for both children and adults.