I have received the following message from Julian Tippett, who many of you will know as the author of the excellent walking guide Landscapes of Sorrento, the Amalfi Coast and Capri . Many a British hiker (and not only) can be seen walking our trails clutching a copy of his book.
This is what he writes:
I was interested in two of your recent blogs:“A Sorrento Amalfi Walking Festival - Why Not?” and “MakingTrails Safe”.
I
don't see significant progress on either taking place in the foreseeable future
for one simple reason: there is no authority in existence that can take
responsibility for the work. Consider the fragmentation: Naples v. Salerno; the
multitude of local councils; Comunità Montana; CAI.
For work to be done
consistently there needs to one organisation that both sees value in hiking
(which means that money can be available to promote hiking) and has the power
to get things done to a common standard (by setting up a hiking oversee body).
All this is a million miles away. None of the current authorities meet the twin
criteria.
None of the above should be taken as criticism of
efforts that have taken place so far, all very laudable, and notably: CAI's
way-marking and map producing activity; Giovanni Visetti's similar activity;
the local councils in keeping the established paved footpaths in good repair,
mapping by Giovanni Visetti and by Cart&Guide, my walking guide book.
Hiking needs to be developed over a single area
comprising: the Amalfi Coast, Sorrentine peninsula, and Capri. A hiking
footpath authority needs to be established to act as the focus for activity on
promoting hiking. This would have to be done in agreement with all local
authorities, who would be the principal funding providers. Activity by the
hiking authority would include:
• setting up a register of paths to be
included in the scheme, both paved and 'mountain'.
• devising a system for monitoring and recording their
condition
• initiating work in liaison with the local councils
and by employing contractors
• setting standards for signposting/ way-marking etc.
• obtaining funding
• additional activities e.g.: liaising with tourist
information centres; ditto with walking holiday companies; ditto with walking
guide book publishers; organising walking festivals.
Julian concludes posing the following open questions:
"Is this a valid aim? Is it feasible?"
Unfortunately having lived here for some time, and especially in the present economic climate, I for one personally very much doubt it.
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