June 21st should be a date to celebrate in Sicily. Or at least in the Catania area. In fact, on June 21, 2013—thirteen years ago— Mount Etna was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Those present at the proclamation describe an entire assembly standing up to applaud, and the applause lasted several minutes. The world had been waiting for Etna to be inscribed on UNESCO’s list for years, but this prestigious achievement seemed unimportant to the Italians, who took a long time to complete the necessary formalities. In June 2013, the great Japanese volcano Fuji was also nominated, and somehow both mountains were awarded equally (Fuji for its natural and cultural heritage, Etna “for its geological uniqueness”)… but it was our “Muntagna” that everyone wanted to applaud!
Why is it important to be in UNESCO?
Because this recognition, once granted, is forever. It means that an object, a place, a natural element becomes a symbol and as such must be protected against anyone and anything that would ruin it. Even against war, even against the forces of nature itself.
And even if, one day, Etna were to be forgotten by politicians, tourists, or even the inhabitants of its slopes… no one could erase this prestigious recognition. This means that there will always be someone in the world ready to take care of our volcano… because precious things should not be left to die. If we Italians don’t commit to this, perhaps someone from Germany, Sweden, or Japan will come to take care of our volcano. It deserves every honor.
Etna in UNESCO: the victory of a few brave ones
As we have already reported in the past (you find it HERE ), the UNESCO adventure was a victory of a few people truly passionate about their work and in love with Etna.
While abroad, the paperwork for the report to be submitted to UNESCO is entrusted to large teams, in Catania everything was carried out by a handful of employees—geologists, journalists, administrators, botanists, historians, but also simple secretaries and technicians—of the Etna Regional Park. Due to limited resources and limited personnel, only 20 were able to physically work on this project. And 20 of them actually carried out research, reports, translations, and transcriptions, developing a high-level thesis that they then submitted to the UNESCO commission.
The commission visited Etna several times to verify the validity of the evidence and was able to confirm the excellent work done by the employees. It was based primarily on the spectacular landscapes they had been able to admire. Etna, in fact, has a “geological uniqueness” that other volcanoes do not. As the Catania volcanologists say, it embodies all the volcanoes in the world. And that is why it is precious.
A geological marvel
Mount Etna represents one of the most extraordinary geological phenomena on the planet and serves as a natural laboratory where one can observe, almost in real time, the processes that shape the Earth’s crust. Located in eastern Sicily, the volcano dominates the landscape with its imposing presence and reaches a height of 3,400 meters, though it varies over time due to the continuous eruptions that modify its structure. Its uniqueness stems from the combination of numerous geodynamic, volcanological, and environmental factors that distinguish it from most other volcanoes in the world.
Etna’s origins are linked to the complex interaction between the African and Eurasian plates. Sicily lies in a tectonic convergence zone, where movements of the Earth’s crust have created favorable conditions for the ascent of magma from the mantle. Unlike traditional volcanoes that form exclusively along plate margins or in subduction zones, Etna has a more complex evolutionary history, characterized by the presence of deep fractures that allow magma to reach the surface through various conduits. One of Etna’s most striking features is the variety of its volcanic products. Over the course of its long activity, which began hundreds of thousands of years ago, the volcano has emitted lava flows, ash, lapilli, and pyroclastic materials of varying composition. Its lavas, predominantly basaltic, testify to the origin of the magma from deep within the Earth and allow researchers to reconstruct the geological evolution of the Mediterranean region.
Etna is also an extremely dynamic volcano. Its eruptions can manifest themselves in a variety of forms: from tranquil lava flows slowly advancing down the slopes to spectacular lava fountains and explosions from the summit craters. This continuous activity not only poses a risk to surrounding communities, but also offers a unique opportunity to study the Earth’s internal mechanisms and improve volcanological monitoring systems.
Etna and its territory
Another distinctive element is the relationship between the volcano and its environment. Etna’s mineral-rich volcanic rocks favor the formation of extremely fertile soils, upon which vineyards, orchards, and characteristic forests grow. The contrast between the black lava flows and the lush vegetation creates a rare landscape, where destruction and rebirth continually coexist.
The area around the volcano reflects this “fatalistic” nature. The people who live here, on its slopes, and far beyond (the last urban center, Milo, stands at 800 meters above sea level), are accustomed to starting from scratch. Today, agriculture is no longer the sole source of income—although young people are returning to this profession—but the Etna people retain a sense of resignation mixed with determination. No one here cries over spilt milk! The volcano has taught people to roll up their sleeves, always! The most important towns on Etna are undoubtedly Zafferana Etnea (on the eastern slope), Linguaglossa and Randazzo (to the north), Bronte (west slope), Paternò, and Nicolosi (to the south). Although Catania prides itself on calling itself the “city of Etna,” it is located 33 km away and it only offers spectacular views of the volcano.
For its scientific and natural value, Etna is considered a geological heritage site of global importance. Its ability to constantly transform, demonstrating the power of Earth’s processes, makes it a symbol of the planet’s vitality. It’s not only the highest mountain in Sicily, but a true window into the depths of the Earth, a place where geology becomes observable and comprehensible through the constant dialogue between fire, rock, and time. (PHOTOS BY G. MUSUMECI)