Biodiversity takes center stage with the world premiere presentation of the new documentary film A Mediterranean of Biodiversity, produced by Arpa Sicilia as part of the CORALLO+SI project funded by the INTERREG ITALIA MALTA VA 2014-2020 Program and directed by Riccardo Cingillo.
On Friday 27th September at 7pm, in Piazza Duomo in Ortigia (Syracuse) as part of the G7 Agriculture and Divination – Expo 24, the documentary film with subject and texts by Ignatius Cammalleri And Rosanna Costa. The documentary film is one of the products of the project that promotes, through the use of new technologies and innovative tools, the sustainable use of the natural areas of the sites of Community importance of the Natura 2000 Network.
Spotlight on the terrestrial and marine ecosystems of Pantelleria, Lampedusa, Ustica and Capo Milazzo. Through evocative texts and suggestive images, created with sophisticated technologies
underwater footage that enhances biodiversity and offers unique and detailed perspectives, the documentary film tells the story of the habitats and species present, but also the role of the management bodies in protecting the protected areas. A narration that highlights the characteristics of each site, highlighting the beauty of some typical Sicilian scenarios, but at the same time reveals the peculiarities of those sites that boast exclusive species and habitats, thus telling a unique story of beauty, evolution and adaptation to be passed down to future generations.
CORALLO+SI is the capitalization project of CORALLO Correct Enjoyment (and Awareness Raising) of Natura 2000 Locations, which initially involved the islands of Lipari, Filicudi, Panarea, Basiluzzo, Salina and the marine protected area of Plemmirio (Syracuse).
The presentation will be attended by Giusi Savarino, regional councillor for Territory and Environment, Salvatore Barbagallo regional councilor for agriculture, Vincenzo Infantinogeneral director of ARPA Sicilia, Ignatius Cammalleri, Director of the Research & Innovation Operational Unit of ARPA Sicilia and Rosanna Costa of the Research & Innovation Operational Unit of ARPA Sicilia.
“There is no boundary between health, environment, agriculture and food: all these elements – says Vincenzo Infantino, general manager of ARPA Sicilia – are part of an interconnected system that has a profound impact on the health of the planet and humanity. For effective health protection, it is essential that the different skills and disciplines work in synergy, building integrated and shared paths. ARPA Sicilia is a protagonist in this area, promoting multidisciplinary research projects in collaboration with national and international partners. Through research and cooperation initiatives, such as the projects funded by the European Union through the Interreg Italia-Malta program, including CORALLO and CORALLO+SI, the Agency consolidates its commitment to the protection of marine and terrestrial ecosystems, paying great attention to public awareness. Tools such as the docufilm A Mediterranean of Biodiversity become essential vehicles for spreading knowledge, promoting the culture of sustainability and raising public awareness of respect for the environment.”
“The idea of the docufilm – underlines Ignazio Cammalleri, director of the Research & Innovation Operations Unit of ARPA Sicilia – was born from the need to bring the general public closer to the extraordinary biodiversity of Sicily. Documenting this natural heritage is not only a scientific issue, but also represents a social and cultural responsibility. The challenge was to do it with a new language, blending the power of visual narration with technological innovation to capture images and stories capable of transmitting not only data, but also deep emotions. Telling the places, the people and the commitment of the management bodies in the protection of these areas is essential to valorize the work done, the places, raise public awareness and promote a culture of belonging and responsibility towards the environment”.
“The documentary film manages to convey not only scientific information, but also suggestions – explains Rosanna Costa of the Research & Innovation Unit of ARPA Sicilia – raising public awareness of the importance of preserving our natural heritage. The message, in fact, goes beyond the description of nature: it is an important reminder of collective responsibility. The narrative invites us to be conscious custodians of this invaluable heritage, to recognize the value of biodiversity not only as a natural treasure, but as an integral part of our identity”.
Furthermore, as part of the G7 Agriculture and Divination – Expo 24, from 21 September at 4:30 pm, the opening day, and for the entire duration of the event, an igloo will be set up in the Fishing District (Foro Vittorio Emanuele II marina, station 9), an educational/informative structure where visitors, thanks to digital technologies, will be able to discover some of the contents of the project sites. Innovative tools and 360° images will allow for a virtual experience accessible to all, which will allow you to explore the land sites and seabeds in an interactive way, contributing not only to revealing the secrets of our natural capital, but also to raise public awareness of the need for conservation. The initiative aims to educate visitors on the ecological and cultural value of the places explored, encouraging responsible tourism practices that support the protection and enhancement of the natural and cultural heritage of the region.