The Cittaslow Charter
The Cittaslow Charter was signed on 15 October
1999 by Carlo Petrini, founder and chairman of Slow Food, and the
mayors of the Italian towns of Bra, Greve in Chianti, Positano and
Orvieto, which were the founders of Cittaslow.
The Charter identifies a Cittaslow town as one
in which -
- A policy is in place to help maintain and develop the
distinctiveness and characteristics of the town and the surrounding
area. Regeneration and re-use are priorities, rather than
modernisation and redevelopment for the sake of change.
- A policy on the built environment encourages enhancement of the
area rather than development that is insensitive to history,
tradition and the needs of people.
- Technologies that are aimed at improving the fabric of life and
the facilities of the town are used in ways that embrace and
enhance quality and tradition.
- Traditional local products that might be under threat are
supported and promoted to ensure their continued existence for the
enjoyment of future generations.
- Products - not just food and drink - which have roots in local
culture and tradition and which help to differentiate the local
area and make it unique are celebrated and safeguarded. Consumers
are encouraged to support and buy from local artisan producers
through markets, fairs and other activities that keep consumers in
direct contact with makers and producers.
- High standards of hospitality are promoted making sure that
visitors and local people are encouraged to make the most of all
that the town and its hinterland has to offer.
- Everyone who works in, lives in or visits the town, and
particularly young people, are encouraged to develop an awareness
and understanding of quality of life and excellence in food, drink,
conviviality and the value of their local traditions, products and
production methods.
