Reading the Landscape Together: A Participatory Journey Through Sarntal / Val Sarentino
A participatory bus tour through Sarntal / Val Sarentino brought together local stakeholders, technical experts, and residents to collectively explore the future of the valley.
How can municipalities shape long-term development pathways rooted in local identity, climate resilience, and shared responsibility?
In South Tyrol, municipal development programs are becoming important tools to answer exactly these questions, helping municipalities build common visions that connect landscape, mobility, tourism, settlement patterns, and community wellbeing.
For the municipality of Sarntal / Val Sarentino, we joined a unique participatory planning format alongside local stakeholders, technical experts, the mayor and public representatives. Following an initial presentation of analytical findings in preparation of the territorial development program, the process moved outdoors: a collective bus tour through the entire valley, with multiple stops dedicated to discussing challenges and opportunities directly within the landscape itself.
Together with our local project partners Helmuth Moroder (mobility), Arch. Peter Paul Amplatz (urban development), Valmontis (tourism), Plattform Land and Ingena (moderation and process coordination), the working group explored the territory through an integrated, interdisciplinary lens.
Analyses highlighted both strengths and weaknesses shaping the future of the valley: a landscape with high ecological and cultural value, compact settlements and strong economic conditions, but also increasing commuter flows, demographic shifts, hydrogeological risks, climate-related pressures, and changing tourism dynamics.
More than a site visit, the format became an exercise in shared observation and collective learning. Local residents contributed everyday knowledge and lived experience; planners and technical experts provided new perspectives and analytical tools. This exchange reinforced the value of co-design as a foundation for long-term climate adaptation and resilient territorial development.
By walking, observing, and discussing the landscape together, a shared understanding began to emerge, one that will continue to evolve through the next phases of the process, from collective visions to concrete measures for the future of Sarntal / Val Sarentino.
