Location
Puglia Region, Italy. 

Local Context
The area involved in the project is that of ‘Bio-distretto delle Lame’, an association comprising rural areas of two municipalities (Ruvo di Puglia and Bitonto). It promotes the agroecosystem of the Murgia shallow furrows, conceptualizing the territory as an interconnected system of agriculture, environment, landscape, and human societies. It is an association which involves agricultural and processing companies, cultural facilities, public administration, and citizens, collaborating to enhance the quality and sustainability of local goods and services. The distinctive geography and water flow from the Alta Murgia promontory to the Adriatic coast shape both the environment and the socio-economic systems of the region. 

Planned Actions
CIHEAM, by involving the ‘Bio-distretto delle Lame’, aims to foster synergy between its components to prevent environmental issues in the rural areas covered by the association, particularly illegal dumping of waste (especially plastics) and illegal stubble burning. As it is a newly formalized initiative, there are currently no specific tools or technologies in place for monitoring these environmental violations. 

Expected impacts
The primary ambition is to maintain a clean and protected area, minimizing the impacts of illegal waste dumping and fires. Expected outcomes include a significant reduction in existing waste and a near-zero occurrence of illegal fires, as well as increased awareness of local actors toward prevention. 

Partners Involved 

• CIHEAM