Fausto Faggioli

Designer and European expert in territorial marketing, rural development and the construction of cross-sector networks. For over forty years he has been working to enhance territories, local communities and inner areas, transforming their environmental, cultural and productive resources into growth opportunities. In 1982 he founded Fattorie Faggioli, anticipating the concept of multifunctional agriculture and experimenting with a model based on the integration of agriculture, tourism, environment, culture and training. The experience was recognised by the European Union as a pilot model of territorial development and became a reference for the creation of rural destinations and public-private networks. He has conceived and supported projects in Italy and across Europe, collaborating with public administrations, universities, training institutes, LAGs, associations and businesses. Since 2008 he has been founder and president of E.A.R.T.H. Academy, a network dedicated to the exchange of good practices and cooperation between rural territories. He is president of the Rete Albatros, vice-president of the Fondazione 'LA tua CER' and national coordinator of FIJET Italia for Rural and Experiential Tourism. In 2020, the original experience evolved into Borgo Basino, a place of rural hospitality, education and social activities, and into Faggioli Experience, a business and startup incubator for territorial innovation. In 2021 he received the Oscar for Territorial Enhancement; in 2026 he was included among the 100 world personalities who have contributed to the creation of new models of rural development. He is currently President of the National Commission for Tourism of Italians in the World CIM – Confederation for relations between Italy and Italian communities abroad through roots, passion and relationship tourism. Author of books and publications, he promotes a vision founded on cooperation, identity and sustainability: the territory is not merely a place to visit, but a space to live in, share and hand down to future generations.