How will the study of sport change in consideration of climate change?
My name is Valerio della Sala. I am an Adjunct Professor & Researcher in Geography and Urban Development at the Universitat Autonoma of Barcelona. This is my personal website, where I collect all my academic and non-academic interests.

The main areas
A life dedicated to continuous research and scientific dissemination
Experiences
My main teaching assignments in the university and private sector.
The training of students is one of my big aims.
Publications
My main scientific publications within academic journals and books.
Continuous research is the engine of my life.
Projects
Research projects in which I took part and was able to contribute.
Innovation and development are two key elements in my scientific career.
Future of Cities
Modern cities are a psycho-physical construction of the human being’s imagination. However, the cities of the future will have to respond to many challenges.
Through the observation of global phenomena we could address the challenges of local territories.

Main Research topics
My main scientific interests lie in the research fields of human geography, sport, spatial policy and environmental education. In particular, I have been involved in the following areas of study:
1
Mega-events, Olympics, territorial transformations and local development: Mega-events like the Olympics impact regions, driving territorial transformations. Infrastructure development, increased tourism, and heightened global visibility contribute to local development, but challenges such as displacement and economic inequality must be addressed.
2
Industrial and cultural heritage: Preserving industrial and cultural heritage is crucial for maintaining a sense of identity. These tangible and intangible assets reflect a community’s history, shaping its character and attracting tourism. Balancing modernization while safeguarding heritage is key for sustainable development.
3
Education for sustainability and local development: Education plays a pivotal role in fostering sustainability and local development. Empowering communities with knowledge on environmental conservation, responsible resource management, and sustainable practices ensures long-term well-being and resilience.
4
Heritage and memory: Heritage is a repository of collective memory, influencing societal identity and cohesion. Safeguarding and interpreting heritage sites ensure that past narratives are preserved, contributing to a richer cultural tapestry and fostering a sense of continuity.
5
Social inclusion and integration: Promoting social inclusion is integral to sustainable development. Strategies that embrace diversity and address social inequalities enhance community cohesion. Inclusive policies and practices foster a sense of belonging, strengthening social bonds and overall well-being
6
Geographical description and cartographic representation of environmental issues: Effective environmental management relies on accurate geographical descriptions and cartographic representation. Maps aid in visualizing environmental challenges, facilitating informed decision-making. Geographic information systems (GIS) play a crucial role in monitoring and mitigating environmental issues.
7
Sports organisation and territorial practice: Sports organizations influence territorial practices, shaping urban landscapes and community engagement. Sporting events can be catalysts for local development, promoting physical activity, and fostering a sense of community pride. Balancing the benefits with potential drawbacks is essential for sustainable outcomes.
Portfolio
The portfolio encompasses diverse aspects of sustainable development, ranging from mega-events and heritage preservation to education, social inclusion, and environmental management.
It reflects a comprehensive understanding of the interplay between global events, local dynamics, and the imperative for balanced, inclusive, and environmentally conscious approaches to societal advancement.

Professional Experiences
My professional aptitudes are characterised by proactivity, leadership and determination, developed during various managerial experiences. I also possess good negotiation skills and aptitude for partnership management.
Throughout my career, I have developed a qualified operational, scientific and pedagogical activity on a local, national and international scale, combined with leading scientific assistance in the qualification of strategies and public policies of cities and metropolises. In addition, I coordinate applied and scientific projects and offer senior advice and evaluation in relevant institutional and private contexts.


Let’s keep in touch
Elevate your research efforts with precision and depth by utilising my dedicated research services, which offer a meticulous and insightful approach to look at complex topics and deliver comprehensive, high-quality results tailored to your specific needs.
This is not (only) a Blog!
Thoughts, reflections, advice and discussion.
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Adaptive strategies in tourism destinations
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Centralization
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Guidelines for Planning Future Major Events
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Mapping the influence of Olympic Games’ urban planning on the Land Surface Temperatures
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Environmental Sustainability in Olympic Villages
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Le strutture sportive come catalizzatori
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Milan-Cortina 2026 and the Spatial Dimension








