Dear friends,

We hope that you all enjoyed the holidays and have had a good start to the New Year. Some of us, perhaps, began the New Year with new intentions and ideas for the good of the lake and all that surrounds it.

We here at BLEU, during this period, met to share thoughts on the past year, on important events for the lake and on some progress for its protection.

The reorganization of the circumlacual sewer loop began in March, thanks to intervention by the European Union. Work is well underway, despite occasional spills still occurring (see here for the current status); for the progress of work during the year see the monthly “work in progress” section.

The Lake Contract, a project we have joined with enthusiasm, is making great strides; the FLAG initiative (for sustainable fishing), which we strongly support, was presented to the public; the school project “Knowing Lake Bolsena” proceeds in full sail.

We have also dedicated our energies to the fight against the danger of geothermal power plants in the lake basin, the outcome of which is still uncertain. In the meantime, a new danger has taken shape and we are already looking at it: the large-scale spread of conventional hazelnut trees plantations, which risks contaminating the lake with phosphates and pesticides.

Along with efforts to protect the lake, in 2019 we intend to focus more on the theme of sustainable living around the lake. We want to develop scenarios to illustrate how changes necessary for the good of the lake and the environment can, in addition to preserving the beauty and health of the land, also offer possibilities and advantages for the local economy. We would like to know your ideas and suggestions!