Cittaslow

Cittaslow logo

Cittaslow is an international network of cities where living is easy in the sense of being slow and enjoyable. It is part of the broader slow movement that advocates for a cultural shift towards slowing down life's pace. The Cittaslow movement was founded in Italy in 1999 by Paolo Saturnini, along with mayors of other small towns. Inspired by the Slow Food movement, Cittaslow's goal is to improve the quality of life in towns by slowing down its overall pace, especially in a town's approach to urban planning, traffic, and local businesses.

Principles

Cittaslow subscribes to several key principles aimed at enhancing the quality of life for its residents. These include:

• Encouraging the use of technology to improve the quality of the environment and urban fabric.
• Promoting the development and consumption of local produce and products.
• Preserving and promoting traditional food and craft techniques.
• Supporting local businesses and economies.
• Enhancing and preserving the unique culture and traditions of each member town.
• Encouraging community engagement and participation in local governance.

Membership

To become a member of the Cittaslow network, a town must have a population of fewer than 50,000 people and must adhere to a set of criteria that align with the movement's principles. These criteria cover a wide range of areas, including environmental policy, infrastructure, urban quality, local produce and products, hospitality, awareness, and education. As of my last update, there are over 200 towns and cities across the world that have been accredited by the Cittaslow movement, spanning countries from Italy to South Korea.

Impact

The impact of Cittaslow can be seen in various aspects of life in member towns. These include improvements in local environmental quality, increased support for local businesses and products, and a greater sense of community among residents. The movement also encourages towns to take a more sustainable approach to development, preserving their cultural heritage while also looking towards the future.

Criticism

While Cittaslow has been praised for its efforts to improve the quality of life in small towns, it has also faced criticism. Some argue that the movement is elitist, as the certification process and membership fees can be prohibitive for smaller, less affluent towns. Others claim that the emphasis on localism can lead to protectionism, potentially harming the broader economy.

See Also

• Slow Food
• Slow movement
• Sustainable development
• Urban planning

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