The Ascoli Charter

Introduction

The Ascoli Charter is inspired by the latest findings from scientific research combined with a humanistic approach, and it arises from the commitment of its signatories to promote the quality of life for all, through an integrated approach that recognizes the close interconnection between human health, environmental health, and social well-being.

The Ascoli Charter is based on the principles expressed in the Regional Law of December 7th, 2023, No. 23 “Initiatives aimed at enhancing the Marche region as a land of well-being and quality of life” and is grounded in the following assumptions:

1. Prevention as the Foundation of Health and Collective Well-being

Recent scientific evidence shows that preventing or containing human and environmental diseases is now possible due to a deep understanding of risk factors and the predictive models available today (trajectories). Prevention is not only a strategic choice but also a collective duty, an indicator of the level of civilization in a society.

Therefore, the Ascoli Charter promotes:

• The adoption of interdisciplinary socio-health policies oriented towards prevention.
• Raising public awareness about the importance of healthy lifestyles.
• Education on global health from an early age.

2. The One Health Approach: Uniting Human, Animal, and Environmental Well-being

Following the One Health model promoted by FAO, the Charter acknowledges that human well-being, animal well-being, and ecosystem health are interconnected and must be managed holistically.

It commits to:

• Integrating environmental sustainability into collective well-being strategies.
• Promoting the production and consumption of healthy and sustainable food.
• Adopting measures to protect biodiversity and reduce the environmental impact of human activities.

3. Education for Healthy Lifestyles, Social Relationships, and Sustainability

Schools and universities should be places where a culture of prevention and sustainability is formed. Health rights cannot be discussed without ensuring access to education on correct lifestyles.

The Ascoli Charter proposes:

• Reforming school curricula to include subjects on health, nutrition, and sustainability.
• Training teachers on these topics.
• Adopting educational models that promote food and environmental awareness.

4. The Role of Emotions, Art, and Social Relationships in Health

Recent research is showing that the quality of social relationships, empathy, and the management of emotions, whether evoked by the sight or creation of artistic works, has a direct impact on health. Psychological well-being and physical well-being are inseparable.

Thus, it promotes:

• Teaching emotion management in schools.
• Creating urban environments that encourage social interaction and mental well-being.
• Adopting public policies that encourage cooperation and reciprocity.
• Teaching the value of culture and all forms of artistic expression as determinants of human well-being, as suggested in the WHO 67/2019 report.
• Valuing cultural spaces and practices as both expressions and care for the soul.

5. Agri-food Policies and Sustainable Public Procurement

Food choices directly influence health and the environment.

The Ascoli Charter proposes:

• Supporting short supply chains and local producers.
• Promoting organic, regenerative farming and the DOP Economy.

6. Food Governance and Sustainable Development

Global economic policies affect how we produce and consume food.

To ensure a fair and sustainable future, the Ascoli Charter calls for:

• Balancing market and public good in the governance of the food system.
• Regulating against misinformation in the food sector.
• Supporting businesses that adopt responsible and sustainableproduction models.

7. Villages and Towns as Exemplars of Sustainability and Resilience

Historical rural villages, particularly those in inland areas, represent a heritage not only for the presence of sites of historical and artistic interest but also as an exemplary model of social cohesion and quality of life.

The Ascoli Charter proposes:

• Preserving and promoting the housing model of historical villages as a virtuous example of integration with the natural environment.
• Recognizing and valuing the care of relationships that make small communities cohesive and resilient as an essential intangible identity asset.
• Adopting the best strategic measures to counteract depopulation of rural historical villages, while respecting their defining identity characteristics.
• Promoting and encouraging the digitization of internal areas as a strategic solution for repopulation and improved services for people.

8. Territory Tourism, the Travel Experience, and Its Positive Influence on Our Health

Territory tourism goes beyond mere aesthetic enjoyment of places, but is an experience that deeply involves the individual at a human level. Traveling is not just about walking nature trails, observing landscapes, monuments, or architecture; it is an immersion into the rhythms, stories, traditions, and emotions of a community. The tourist thus becomes a “traveler” who connects with the soul of a territory, creating a bond that transcends the superficial beauty of the places.

The Ascoli Charter proposes:

• Recognizing and promoting territorial tourism as a therapeutic practice that adds to environmental health the quality of human relationships.
• Educating travelers to a truly sustainable enjoyment of territories.
• Promoting inland territories and the lifestyles associated with them as ideal places to develop residential tourism.

9. Sustainable Businesses and Worker Well-being

Corporate welfare and employee well-being are crucial elements for the growth and sustainability of modern businesses. These concepts not only improve the quality of life for employees but also represent a long-term strategy for business success and competitiveness.

The Ascoli Charter proposes:

• Promoting policies that support a balance between work and private life.
• Businesses should activate psychological support programs, corporate counseling, and listening spaces for employees in order to prevent burnout and increase psychological well-being.
• Valuing diversity and creating an open work environment where everyone feels respected and part of the team.
• Promoting and ensuring healthiness in the workplace as an incentive for the employment of young workers.

Conclusion

The Ascoli Charter aims to be a reference point for future policies on public health, nutrition, and environmental sustainability. Promoting well-being means investing in prevention, education, and responsible policies that put the citizen and the planet at the cente