GENESIS — WATER: Conversations on the peaks about Life, Regener-Action, and the Future

“By 2100, the Alps will lose most of their snow cover.”

Sunday at 2,753 m a.s.l. at the Lagazuoi EXPO Dolomites
Ludovica Rubini and Riccardo Gaspari del Piccolo Brite organized a powerful opportunity of deep connection, and reflection on the future by putting an essential element for LIFE at the center of the discussion: WATER.

Led by journalist Francesco Chiamulera, creator and editor of “Una Montagna di Libi — Cortina”, I had the honor of sharing the stage with exceptionally inspiring figures in the field of sustainability and environmental science. Their expertise and passion for our planet greatly enriched the discussions and offered invaluable perspectives on the global water crisis.

Stefano Illing, with his entrepreneurial vision and deep commitment to the enhancement of the Dolomites — a priceless UNESCO heritage — illustrated concrete examples of how respect and care for the environment can go hand in hand with sustainable economic development. His dedication to protecting these unique landscapes inspired us all, reminding us of the importance of balancing progress and conservation.

Sofia Farina, an alpine meteorologist with Protect Our Winter, brought a deep understanding of climate change, sharing scientific data and field observations that painted a clear picture of climate evolution in mountain regions. His ability to explain complex phenomena in accessible terms enabled all participants to better understand the challenges our planet faces.

Fabrizio de Blasi, a CNR Institute of Polar Sciences researcher, offered a key scientific perspective, enriching the discussion with his extensive knowledge and research on glacier dynamics and the polar ecosystem. His contribution emphasized the importance of scientific research in guiding sustainability policies and practices.

Each of these speakers brought a wealth of knowledge and experience that made the event a forum for discussion and a celebration of innovation and proactive thinking. Their passion and dedication were infectious, prompting us to reflect on how we can personally contribute to the protection and sustainable management of water resources.

Our discussion was not only focused on outlining the problems; we dug deep into the causes, explored solutions, and shared visions for a future where water, an essential life resource, is protected and managed with the wisdom it deserves.

Reflecting on the event, I was struck by the diversity and richness of perspectives from colleagues such as Stefano Illing, Sofia Farina, and Fabrizio de Blasi. Each, with their own stories and dedication, highlighted how water is at the center of multiple challenges and opportunities, from sustainable agriculture to ecosystem conservation, from the protection of marginal areas to the enhancement of our cultural heritage.

My talk, connecting the Dots, aimed to highlight the need for systemic planning and action; we talked about the role of science, policy, schools, community, and farmers; we spoke about “marginal centered design” and “prosperity thinking”; I shared lessons learned from our missions such as Pollica — Paideia Campus, Oki Islands in Japan or to Thingeyri in the Westfjords in Iceland where with the Future Food Institute and our Climate Shapers we have been able over the years to touch base, study and co-design with communities.
I presented “snowmorrow” and shared reflections on the crucial role of technology and the need to invest in integral human development to aim for a “one-health” concept of the planet and the well-being of communities.
I had the privilege of hearing testimonies
from my co-speakers and the audience, which enriched me and further motivated my commitment to a future where genius, human creativity, technology, and innovation go hand in hand with respect for the earth and its resources toward the algorithm of longevity.

The loss of glaciers is not just an environmental issue; it is a wake-up call that calls us to action for the most marginal areas, the most valuable, the most vulnerable, the ones that are often forgotten or neglected but which are essential for the protection of biodiversity and necessary resources, for our heritage, and ultimately for our survival. Abandonment of these areas- already underway- is not an option if we wish to ensure a sustainable future for our planet.

Casa Genesis — WATER event was a meeting point for enlightened minds and passionate hearts united by the common goal of safeguarding our world. I sincerely thank Ludovica and Riccardo, my co-speakers, and all participants for their passion, commitment, and willingness to explore the path to a more sustainable tomorrow together. Our journey continues, and I am more motivated than ever to pursue and support initiatives promoting integral ecological development, protecting our cultural and natural heritage, and a future where every individual, community, and nation can thrive.

The Future Food Institute is an international social enterprise and the cornerstone of the Future Food Ecosystem, a collection of research labs, partnerships, initiatives, platforms, networks, entrepreneurial projects and academic programs, that aims to build a more equitable world through enlightening a world-class breed of innovators, boosting entrepreneurial potential, and improving agri-food expertise and tradition.

As we set our sights on the future, there’s a mission that will steer our efforts in the years ahead: “Reimagining FOOD as the catalyst that fosters FERTILITY, PROSPERITY & LONGEVITY of LIFE on EARTH.” It’s not just about understanding and shaping the future of food, but also harnessing its potential to uplift the very essence of life on our planet. By empowering millions and transforming communities, we are poised to make this vision a reality. Let’s together champion this cause, and, with conscious action and unwavering dedication, realize the change we seek.

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