Polo Poschiavo is a competence centre for lifelong learning and professional training based in Valposchiavo, Switzerland, active since 2001.
It works on the safeguarding of intangible cultural heritage across the Alps, with a focus on food heritage, textile heritage and traditional craftsmanship such as dry stone walling. Polo Poschiavo coordinated AlpFoodway, a European Union funded cooperation project that documented traditional food practices across the Alpine regions of Switzerland, Italy, France and Slovenia, and takes part in the multinational candidacy for the inscription of Alpine food heritage on UNESCO’s Register of good safeguarding practices.
It also supports the transmission of hand weaving skills and stone wall building techniques through workshops that bring together artisans, schools and local communities. Its international network connects universities, research centres and cultural institutions across Switzerland, Italy, France, Austria, Slovenia and Germany, linking heritage safeguarding with sustainable territorial development.
Year of accreditation: 2026
Main domain(s) of the ngo’s activities: Oral traditions and expressions, Social practices, rituals and festive events, Knowledge and practices concerning nature and the universe, Traditional craftsmanship
Main safeguarding measures: a) identification, documentation, research (including inventory-making), c) promotion, enhancement, d) transmission,
Main country where the NGO works: Switzerland and Austria, France, Germany, Italy, Slovenia
