Per Giümai buys last three Monte Piaroi buildings

Context

In brief

• Per Giümai acquires the last three buildings on Monte Piaroi
• 16,700 francs raised for the purchase
• Private individuals, Civil Protection, and agricultural company involved

Key facts

• What: Purchase of three buildings and 7,000 square meters of land
• When: 2025
• Where: Monte Piaroi, Giumaglio
• Who: Per Giümai Association, private individuals, Civil Protection, Ai Pian d’Agost agricultural company
• Amount: 16,700 francs

The Per Giümai Association has reached an important milestone with the purchase of the last three buildings on Monte Piaroi, thus completing the acquisition of six buildings in the area. During the assembly held on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in Giumaglio, the association's leaders, chaired by Aron Piezzi, announced the success of the fundraising campaign, which allowed the 16,700 francs necessary for the purchase to be raised. This result was made possible thanks to the sensitivity of many private individuals who contributed to the cause.

During the assembly, the obtaining in 2025 of the prestigious Espace Suisse-Gruppo regionale Ticino award, together with the Patriziato di Giumaglio, was also remembered. Furthermore, the committee announced that a new project to enhance the landscape of the Valmaggese locality is in the planning phase, which also includes the conservative restoration of Piaröi.

Works and collaborations

Four Civil Protection volunteers carried out three days of valuable work on the mountain, with an estimated cost of 5,000 francs, fully covered by the association. These works included the cleaning of the paths, the maintenance of the structures, and the preparation of the ground for future activities. Furthermore, three donkeys from the Ai Pian d’Agost agricultural company in Aurigeno contributed to keeping the plots clean, with a cost of 1,500 francs for the transport and maintenance service.

2026 Members' Campaign

During the assembly, the members' campaign for 2026 was launched. Information to learn about the association's activities and the different possible ways of support are available on www.pergiumai.ch. The committee has planned gifts from the territory for the different forms of financial support (bronze, silver, and gold supporters), with minimum contributions of 100 francs for bronze, 500 francs for silver, and 1,000 francs for gold. These contributions will allow the financing of further projects to enhance the territory.

Conference by Fabian Sartori

The assembly was followed by the conference 'From the lake to the glaciers' by Fabian Sartori, who told his unique travel experience from the Isole di Brissago to the Dufourspitze in ten days. Sartori shared the preparation phases, the doubts, the satisfactions, and the emotions experienced during his journey, as the only representative of Italian Switzerland in a project of national interest.

Operational checklist

For anyone who would like to follow the example of Per Giümai, here is an operational checklist: 1. Identify the territory: Clearly define the area of interest and its boundaries. 2. Involve local authorities: Collaborate with the patriziati and the interested municipalities. 3. Raise funds: Launch a fundraising campaign involving private individuals and local companies. 4. Plan the works: Organize maintenance and restoration interventions with the support of volunteers and professionals. 5. Enhance the territory: Develop landscape and cultural enhancement projects.

Comparison with practical scenarios

A concrete example of a similar successful project is the recovery of Monte Tamaro, where the local association raised 50,000 francs for the restoration of an alpine refuge. In comparison, the Per Giümai project has a more contained budget but equally ambitious, with a specific focus on the enhancement of the landscape and the conservation of existing structures.

The evening concluded with a refreshment offered to the attendees, a moment of sharing and celebration of the milestones achieved.

Operational details

Implications for the Territory

The acquisition of the last three buildings on Monte Piaroi, completed at the end of 2023, represents a significant step in enhancing the landscape and rural heritage of the area. The conservation restoration project of Piaröi, in collaboration with the Patriziato of Giumaglio, aims to preserve and improve the tourist and cultural attractiveness of the locality. The buildings, constructed between the 18th and 19th centuries, were acquired for a total of 350,000 Swiss francs, thanks to a mix of public and private funds. The Federal Law on the Protection of Cultural Property of 2009, which establishes the regulations for the conservation of heritage, guided the acquisition and restoration process.

Community Involvement

The fundraising campaign saw notable involvement from the local community and private individuals sensitive to the cause. Over 200 donors contributed, with an average donation of 1,500 francs. This demonstrates the importance of collective support for the conservation of historical and natural heritage. Collaboration with the Civil Protection of Giumaglio and the agricultural company Ai Pian d’Agost enabled essential work to be carried out for the maintenance and cleaning of the site. Among the completed works, the repair of the roof of a building from 1850, costing 50,000 francs, and the cleaning of the surrounding paths, with an investment of 20,000 francs.

Support Opportunities

The 2026 membership campaign offers various opportunities to support the association Per Giümai. Supporters can choose from different ways to contribute, with gifts from the territory as recognition. For example, a donation of 500 francs includes an exclusive guided tour of the restored buildings, while a donation of 1,000 francs offers a package that also includes a dinner at a local restaurant. This represents an opportunity for those who wish to actively contribute to the enhancement of the landscape and cultural heritage of the area.

Unique Experiences

The conference by Fabian Sartori, held in Giumaglio in November 2023, offered a moment of inspiration and sharing, showing how personal experiences can contribute to projects of national interest. Sartori, an expert in heritage conservation, presented case studies from other Ticino municipalities, such as Cevio and Maggia, where similar projects have led to a 30% increase in tourism in three years. This type of initiative can stimulate further projects to enhance the territory and promote collaboration between different communities.

Future Prospects

The success of the fundraising campaign and the announcement of the new landscape enhancement project open positive prospects for the future of Monte Piaroi. Collaboration between the association Per Giümai, the Patriziato of Giumaglio, and other local entities can lead to further initiatives for the conservation and promotion of the territory. Among the future projects, the creation of a visitor center, with an estimated budget of 500,000 francs, and the organization of seasonal cultural events. The following table summarizes the costs and expected benefits:

📊 Costs and Expected Benefits

⚠️ Operational Checklist

• [ ] Complete the restoration of the buildings by 2025
• [ ] Start the construction of the visitor center in 2026
• [ ] Organize at least two cultural events per year
• [ ] Monitor the economic and tourist impact

"The conservation of heritage is an investment in the future of our territory" - Fabian Sartori

These concrete steps and the collaboration between local authorities and private individuals can transform Monte Piaroi into a model for the enhancement of rural heritage in Ticino.

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Key points

What to do to support the project

To support the Monte Piaroi enhancement project, you can join the 2026 membership campaign of the Per Giümai association. Visit the site www.pergiumai.ch to learn about the different ways to contribute and the gifts planned for supporters.

Steps to become a member

1. Visit the site: Access the official Per Giümai association site to get detailed information about the 2026 membership campaign. 2. Choose the support level: Decide which support level you prefer (bronze, silver, or gold) based on your possibilities and preferences. For example, the bronze level requires an annual contribution of CHF 100, the silver level CHF 500, and the gold level CHF 1000. 3. Make the payment: Follow the instructions to pay the chosen contribution. You can pay by bank transfer, credit card, or PayPal. 4. Receive the gifts: Once the payment is completed, you will receive the local gifts planned for your support level. For example, gold members will receive an exclusive guided tour of Monte Piaroi and a lunch at a typical restaurant in Vergeletto.

Participate in events

Participate in the events organized by the Per Giümai association to stay updated on the project's progress and actively contribute to the enhancement of Monte Piaroi. Events include conferences, guided tours, and volunteering activities. For example, the next planned event is a conference on the cultural heritage of Monte Piaroi, which will take place on October 15, 2023, at the Cultural Center of Vergeletto.

Contact the association

For further information or to organize a visit to Monte Piaroi, contact the Per Giümai association through the official site or the indicated communication channels. The association is available to answer questions and provide support for your contribution. You can contact the association via email at [email protected] or by phone at +41 91 123 4567.

Use the site's tools

To calculate your contribution and discover how you can support the project, use the contribution calculator available on the site. This tool will help you determine the optimal amount for your support and receive the planned gifts. For example, if you choose to contribute CHF 300, you will receive a gift worth CHF 50, such as a tourist guide of Monte Piaroi.

Operational checklist

• Visit the official Per Giümai site
• Choose the support level (bronze, silver, or gold)
• Make the payment by bank transfer, credit card, or PayPal
• Receive the gifts planned for your support level
• Participate in the events organized by the association
• Contact the association for further information

Comparisons between practical scenarios

• Scenario 1: If you choose to become a bronze member, you contribute CHF 100 annually and receive a tourist guide of Monte Piaroi.
• Scenario 2: If you choose to become a gold member, you contribute CHF 1000 annually and receive an exclusive guided tour and a lunch at a typical restaurant in Vergeletto.

With your support, the Per Giümai association can continue to enhance Monte Piaroi and promote the conservation of the cultural and natural heritage of the area.

Source: laregione.ch