Larian Sustainability Network: a collaborative initiative for a sustainable future.

In the splendid setting of Lake Como, an important initiative led by the Como-Lecco Chamber of Commerce has been taking shape in recent months.

The Larian Sustainability Network, a model of collaboration that values the participation of all, represents a virtuous model of cooperation between companies, public bodies, associations, and citizens to promote sustainability in the Como area, which aligns with ESG (Environment, Social, Governance) principles.

This initiative includes the entire area between the two branches of Lake Como, officially called Lario, hence the name Lariana or Larian.

The project’s first phase, launched between June and July, established the network through various workshops involving around 40 organizations.

We at Hotel Loveno carefully monitor and participate in this beautiful initiative to feel more involved every day. We strongly want to bring our know-how and all the support for a more sustainable future in our lovely lake area.

 The Larian Network

The Larian Network was established to strengthen collaborations for sustainability projects in the cross-border area. Since its establishment, the network has involved around 40 organizations, including businesses, local authorities, trade associations, and third-sector bodies.

This initiative is the fruit of the SMART PROJECT, the sustainability promotion platform created by the Chamber of Commerce of Como-Lecco, born to enhance the cross-border territory – Como, Lecco and Canton Ticino – as an area that promotes economic, social, and environmental sustainability of business.

Started in 2018 as part of an Interreg project led by the Como-Lecco Chamber of Commerce and in which Confindustria Como, SQS, SUPSI, and Bocconi Green University participated, the SMART Project is today a structured set of increasingly multi-stakeholder initiatives.

Since then, more than 100 companies have participated in the CSR Manager (Corporate Social Responsibility Manager) University Course, and thousands of companies have participated in the workshops, laboratories, exhibitions, and theatrical performances created for the scope.

So, the initiative is characterized by a series of collaborative workshops in which various local stakeholders actively participated.

One of these workshops was called “Sustainability Projects in Action.”

Thanks to thematic tables and plenary meetings, topics close to the heart of all the entities involved were concretely discussed.

Concrete projects that aim to enhance the excellent sustainability practices of local businesses were presented (to improve and disseminate the good sustainability practices of local companies, municipalities, and non-profit associations), promote the circular economy (by spreading knowledge of good circular economy practices in the territory and promote circular economy principles among companies and citizens) and raise awareness against food waste (to reduce food waste and raise public awareness of the importance of reusing resources).

A month later, a new Workshop on the Construction Sites of the Larian Network saw further developments in the projects started:

• Governance: The “Larian Sustainability Good Practices Award” project has come to fruition regarding the good sustainability practices of local businesses.
• Green: A handbook is being created to promote circular economy principles among companies and citizens in the territory.
• Social: A campaign (provisionally called aLimentARIO) was created to raise awareness about food waste. The campaign intends to promote food waste prevention practices among companies, commercial activities, and schools.

This Workshop not only confirmed the progress made in the previous phases but also defined concrete projects for sustainability in the Como area, instilling optimism for the future.

The co-planning involved various stakeholders and promoted targeted initiatives in the governance sectors, circular economy, and fight against food waste.

 The Importance of Co-Design

The Project Canvas method was a vital aspect of these workshops, which allowed effective participant co-planning. This approach has facilitated the development of concrete ideas and proposals to be implemented in partnership, encouraging collaboration between the various stakeholders to achieve common sustainability objectives.

The Larian Sustainability Network represents how collaboration between territorial entities can lead to concrete and lasting results.

The workshops organized made it possible to define targeted pilot projects and promote a culture of sustainability at a local level.

The commitment of businesses, public bodies, and citizens to carry out these initiatives demonstrates how sustainability can become a shared and achievable objective, contributing to the construction of a better future for the Como area and future generations.

We, as a tourism company, are very involved in the topic of sustainability and food waste. In our small way, we try to make a difference in our territory and, therefore, actively follow updates on this great joint project.

We should all aim for a more sustainable future, and we can only do this by combining our strengths and knowledge. Our active participation is crucial in achieving this shared goal.

Contact us to discover more info@hotelloveno.com.

– Gaia