Are decisions regarding the place made jointly and transparently?

The Maggia river is about 60 kilometres long. It originates in the Cristallina region of the Ticino Alps and flows into Lake Maggiore between Ascona and Locarno. Along the way, the river is fed by many mountain streams. On the valley floor, the Maggia meanders almost unimpaired between Cevio and Lodano. The stretch between Riveo and Giumaglio is considered a floodplain of international and national importance. Decisions relating to the Maggia are therefore made at the three federal levels of state, canton and municipality.

Does the place serve its purpose?

The great thing about the Maggia is that it is both a habitat for flora and fauna and a recreational area for people. Some of the river’s most beautiful bathing spots are between Lodano and Ponte Brolla. Although the bathing areas are close to each other, they are very different. Some have a sandy or pebble beach, others are located at washed-out rock basins or near a waterfall. The best-known spots are those in the gorge near Ponte Brolla, where the International Cliff Diving Championships are held every summer.

Does the place promote biodiversity?

The Maggia on the valley floor is listed in the Federal Inventory of Floodplains of National Importance. Floodplains are natural habitats in the flood zones of rivers, and although they are in decline, they are recognised as being particularly rich in species and therefore need to be preserved for the sake of biodiversity. The area around Lodano is also listed in the Federal Inventory of Amphibian Spawning Areas of National Importance. This section of the Maggia is still largely natural and important for biodiversity.

Will the place remain attractive in the long term for living, working, leisure and/or tourism?

The Valle Maggia and its tributary valleys are popular holiday destinations. Tourism provides many jobs in the region. Locarno and Ascona lie at the mouth of the river, so the Valle Maggia is also an important recreational area for the inhabitants of both towns.

Does the place ensure equality, freedom, safety and a reliable means of existence?

The Valle Maggia has repeatedly suffered flooding – most recently in June 2024. During severe storms, the extent of destruction and the threat to the people in the valley are great. The release of water from the reservoirs in the side valleys can also cause a sudden rise in water levels. There are various signs in the area to warn bathers of this danger. It is advisable to check the weather conditions before visiting the river, so as not to be caught by surprise by a storm and the resulting masses of water.

Is the place in dialogue with the landscape, urban fabric, colours and materials?

The Valle Maggia is the largest valley in Ticino. As you travel upstream, the valley and its wooded slopes become narrower and narrower. Waterfalls, hamlets with traditional stone houses, clear water and vast floodplains offer an intact juxtaposition of unspoilt landscape, settlements and infrastructure.

Is the use compatible with ecological principles?

In the Valle Maggia, the use of hydroelectric power began in the 1950s with the construction of the dams in the valleys of Bavona and Lavizzara. In addition, almost all of the tributaries on the right bank of the Maggia are used to generate electricity. Although this power generation is based on a renewable energy source, it is not free of negative impacts. Larger residual water flows than before are needed to maintain the river’s diverse functions.

Does the place’s beauty contribute to people’s well-being?

The popularity of the valley among locals and guests for living, hiking, swimming, camping, eating and relaxing already shows how much people enjoy coming here. The river’s freely meandering course across the plain also contributes to this, offering a near-natural water landscape of rare beauty. The floodplains of the Valle Maggia are among the largest and best preserved in Switzerland. Since 2010, their preservation has been promoted by a special decree.