Abruzzi Wellness District for EU relationships related to thermal, environmental
and touristic fields resources

Founded on May 2006, the  Abruzzi Consortium of Wellness District (the ”CODAB”) is the main result of a courageous choice made by the Majors of twelve towns and villages in the Region of Abruzzi, one of the most beautiful Italian regions as for its naturalistic and environmental assets. The CODAB aims to develop local governance together with regional authorities, provinces, local powers and enterprises by the common liaison established by policies for tourism and environment, as well as for thermal-domain related SMEs and resorts, accommodations etc. The point of excellence of such a project is retained for a strong investment (round 4MEuros) in the field of ITC, inter alia, since its scope also includes a platform for Wi-Max and IP-phone communications. Thus, hi-tech innovation, as considered in the Industrial Plan launched on January 2007, is strongly connected to the concept of  “making system” to manage a better instrument and face global competition, particularly in wellness and tourism resources sector. This perspective also has allowed little local entities to foster common purposes amongst which getting more visibility either by a national profile or an international one, establishing a unique trade mark to characterize not only the production but also the entire locations (according to the territorial marketing guidelines) The CODAB is the major deliverable of a Project named “Theater” (Thermal and Health Assets for Territorial and Environmental Resources) which kick-off point was fixed on September 2004. On August 2005, a preliminary agreement protocol was signed as the first step for the constitution of the Consortium. The third step is represented by an already planned stock company foundation, which future stakeholders will be chosen amongst public and local powers as well as enterprises at SMEs level. Moreover, a synergy with financial and merchant banking system will ensure quite larger chances for projecting new investments. The Municipality of Caramanico Terme is the leading entity of the CODAB; with its 2000 inhabitants Caramanico Terme is placed in the hinterland of the Majella National Park and hosts a research center held by the local University highly skilled for the vocational training of operators and thermal medicine doctors. Starting form January 2008 the CODAB will also be based in Brussels with its liaison office for EU-wide relationships.

(Silvia De Stefanis)