Dear friends, dear members of BLEU,
The year 2020 has now passed, but many unanswered questions from this very special year remain with us. COVID 19 has raised many important issues that until now we had not been able to – or not wanted to – address: the deterioration of the environment caused by human activity, inadequate social structures for the dignity, health and development of human beings. In our small association we have been limited by anti-COVID measures, in particular the possibility of meeting others.
As far as the sewage collector is concerned, the lake associations met a manager of Talete who provided us with important updates on the state of the work envisaged by the agreement between Talete and various bodies of the lake area (see the last ‘work in progress’).
The appeals against the geothermal projects on the Alfina plateau continue their judicial process at the Lazio TAR: on 12th January, 2021 the Castel Giorgio appeal will be discussed. The association helps by preparing technical support documents for the lawyer, with the passionate support of the volcanologist Mastrolorenzo. On 20th December the appeal against Torre Alfina was discussed: we have no direct news, but it seems to have gone well.
The committee of mayors, which was set up to oppose geothermal projects in the area, continues to be active with technical and organisational support from our association: the committee has sent letters to Director Borrelli of Civil Protection (see news) and will fight against the wild development of photovoltaics and wind power.
News of the planned deposits of radioactive materials in the Viterbo area has recently been made public. We will guarantee our support in enforcing the rights of the population and the territory.
The ‘Lake Bolsena Bio-District’ initiative is now online! Through meetings organised via online platforms, we are working to prepare a draft statute and an association structure. Everything must then be formally approved by the Promoting Committee before being submitted to the Lazio Region, together with a work plan, for recognition. For the constitution of the Promoting Committee the participation of at least two municipalities is required: those around the lake are, in principle, in agreement, but to date only the municipality of Acquapendente has decided to participate.
While waiting for the establishment of a Bio-District, we can help with simple daily actions: support the demand for organic products; participate in markets of the organic farms network (see Facebook); contact local organic producers directly (consult the map); support local food co-ops such as bellaverde@hotmail.it and gasbolsena.crd@gmail.com; ask for organic products in shops and bars.
The association’s collaboration with schools for the educational project on the lake continues. This year it will take the form of a video for classes to watch, as it is not possible to speak in person.
What ideas, projects for 2021? It is difficult to know today what will actually be possible. Even so, we can help the future with our own personal attitude by seriously asking ourselves and others the question “what if …?” and trying to answer “why not?”
These are questions that I have taken from the book From ‘What Is’ to ‘What If’: unleashing the power of imagination to create the future we want by Rob Hopkins, promoter of the “Transition Town” movement. I recommend reading it! A way to stimulate the imagination aimed at the future and its success.
We wish everyone a happy and fruitful 2021!
Angelo Bertea
(president)
