Water, essential for human life and for the activities of local communities, became a powerful economic factor during the 20th century, thanks to the development of the hydroelectric industry, which altered high-altitude landscapes, diverted streams into underground canals, and brought energy far away - to industrial metropolises.
After a period of intense and extremely hard work by technicians, miners, masons and workers - which deposited monumental works in the natural environment - nature healed the wounds to some extent. These interventions did not adequately consider the effects on the delicate environmental framework, while the use of water certainly did not benefit the local communities.
Conditions today are different. Provincial autonomy allows control of the resource, technical-scientific knowledge makes it possible to assess environmental dynamics, and protected areas take care of the high mountain environment by safeguarding biodiversity, promoting research and enhancing natural and human landscapes.
The cycle of meetings
The complex relationships between water and protected areas and the role of local communities will be addressed in 3 meetings:
Water, a mountain resource - first meeting
'Water, environment and landscape'
26 May 2023 - Stelvio National Park, Trentino sector
First meeting of the cycle of in-depth studies on water resources and the hydroelectric industry and the protected areas of Trentino, between the history of transformations and the protection of natural resources. Conference in Cogolo di Peio followed by a visit to the Pont power plant.
Water, a mountain resource - second meeting
'Mountain, water and community'
23 June 2023 - Paneveggio Pale di San Martino Nature Park
Second meeting of the cycle of in-depth studies on water resources and the hydroelectric industry and Trentino's protected areas, between the history of transformations and the protection of natural resources. Conference in Imer di Primiero followed by a visit to the San Silvestro power plant.
Water, a mountain resource - third meeting
"The history of the hydroelectric industry and Trentino's protected areas - The Val di Daone dams".
28 July 2023 - Adamello Brenta Nature Park
Third meeting of the cycle of in-depth studies on water resources and the hydroelectric industry and the protected areas of Trentino, between the history of transformations and the protection of natural resources. A "light" trekking narration in Val di Fumo, from the Malga Bissina dam along the lake of the same name until entering the Park, near Malga Breguzzo.
Poster
