crediti Naǆa Poljo

On 19 September, a hike to Monte Caio was organized by the University of Parma and the Italian Alpine Club (CAI) as part of Action for Climate, an initiative that combines outdoor activities with raising awareness about climate change and environmental sustainability. Located in the Parma Apennines, Monte Caio is an ideal setting to experience the relationship between people and the natural environment, while also offering a chance to learn something about history and biodiversity beyond the university campus.

In 2019, a small initiative was launched by the University of Brescia in collaboration with the Italian Alpine Club (CAI) and the Network of Universities for Sustainable Development (RUS). University rectors and delegates climbed a glacier named Adamello Glacier, which was a strong symbol of effects made by the climate change. This initiative was simply intended to raise public awareness and support the UN 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. In 2026, seven years later, this “initiative” is a project called “Action for Climate” and today, this project is executed by 43 Italian universities, in 16 regions, with 25 annual hikes and around 1300 people, including students, university staff, researchers and CAI members.On the 19^th of September, I took part in a hike to Monte Caio, a mountain massif in the Parma Apennines, reaching 1,584 metres at its highest point, Punta Bocchialini. Located between Tizzano Val Parma, Corniglio and Palanzano

foto di Naǆa Poljo

The event itself began a lot earlier than the hike. We met at the Cinema Campus parking lot, where 100 participants were waiting for the departure while mingling and meeting new people before we set off. The bus journey to Monte Caio was a special panoramic experience on its own as we drove through the countryside and made our way up to the mountains where the landscape dramatically changed. Upon arrival, we were divided into three groups, taking three different routes.

Most of the time, we hiked through the forest, with a few stops along the way, either for a short break at a viewpoint or for a history or biology lesson by one of the organizers. The stop I found most interesting was at one of the viewpoints, where we had a chance to witness a practice by a paragliding school. Within a few moments, the sky was filled with colorful paragliders adding a dynamic element to the calming scenery of the mountain landscape. Looking up at them, I could not help but imagine what the view must have looked like from above. It doesn’t look that scary- maybe I could give it a shot someday.

foto di Naǆa Poljo

The peak of the hike came when we reached Punta Bocchialini, the highest point of Monte Caio, where all the three groups met again for lunch. As we arrived at the top, the place seemed to be foggy with a cold and damp feeling. What we soon realized, however, was that a cloud was literally passing through the summit. By the time we were ready to go, the fog had disappeared, revealing an amazing view in front of our eyes. From there, we could see the mountains covered by thick green forests, freshly harvested fields and small villages scatered around the alternating hills. 10/10 lunch and coffe spot I would say. On our way back, we took a different route, now making our way down the ridge -all while keeping the amazing views and passing through the abondoned skii trails. Even though everyone was pretty tired by this point, an amazing energy was felt in the air. Maybe it was because everyone was happy to be walking downhill for a change.

At the end of the trail, we were welcomed by a charming mountain hut where we would have our last break of the day, which we used for reflecting on our day. As I already have a lot of hiking experience, I was aware of the effect that a day spent actively in nature can have on me. What I found especially great about this project is that it gathers people who maybe wouldn’t choose to do this otherwise and opens a completely new door for them. By the end of the day, some of us ended up with a new hobby, new friends, new knowledge and, of course, we all left with an unforgettable experience.