In 2024, Val d’Orcia celebrated twenty years since it was included on the UNESCO World Heritage List. This significant anniversary celebrates the area’s beauty and uniqueness, as well as its appeal to international tourists.

Acting on behalf of the Municipality of Castiglione d’Orcia, Terre di Siena LAB has launched a project to promote the values of the World Heritage site. This project is structured as an educational programme for primary and lower secondary schools in the five municipalities of Val d’Orcia for the 2024/25 school year.

A key objective of the UNESCO World Heritage Centre is to pass on the world’s cultural and natural heritage to future generations, based on the belief that respect for cultural diversity and dialogue between cultures are the best guarantee of development.

The programme focuses on the sustainable development of the area and involves citizens, starting with the younger generations. The 20th anniversary of recognition was used as an opportunity to disseminate information and structure activities, with the educational programmes aiming to provide learning experiences about the Val d’Orcia World Heritage Site.

The initiative included a series of activities aimed at raising awareness, protecting and enhancing the area, and encouraging schools in the Val d’Orcia region to participate. These activities included lectures and themed visits to the area, with the aim to:

• Exploring the principles and values promoted by UNESCO, paying particular attention to the protection of cultural and natural heritage;
• Analysing why Val d’Orcia has been recognised as a World Heritage Site, and how this recognition affects the conservation of the area;
• Reflect on how the sustainable management of the landscape and resources can contribute to the protection and enhancement of the area;
• Promoting awareness of the importance of conserving UNESCO heritage;
• Stimulating a sense of belonging, civic responsibility, and knowledge of the cultural and natural heritage of Val d’Orcia.
• Prepare new generations to become custodians and promoters of this place for future generations.

The twentieth anniversary celebration of UNESCO recognition provides an opportunity to honour the past and build a sustainable future, ensuring the beauty and value of Val d’Orcia are recognised, protected, and passed on in accordance with the principles and objectives of Agenda 2030.