The Biodiversity Carabinieri represent a precious resource in the protection of the heritage of State Nature Reserves and State Forests, demonstrating exemplary management of a unique European capital for the variety of habitats.
The project aims to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by creating a “widespread forest” throughout Italy, composed of small trees of native species. These trees will grow, improving environmental quality and will be recorded on a web platform that will show their distribution and the consequent carbon dioxide savings.
The project activities took place in two phases. The first, a workshop, was held in March and involved fourth grade students in a journey of learning about the role and importance of biodiversity, considered an infrastructure to support life on Planet Earth. This path covered topics such as the role of plants as main carbon sinks, the concepts of environment, ecosystem and sustainable development, and climate-altering gases. The management of the 130 natural areas protected by the Carabinieri of Biodiversity in Italy was also illustrated, with particular attention to those present in Puglia. Furthermore, notes on national and European legislation to protect the environment were provided, under the guidance of Commander Matera Ruggiero.
The second, ceremonial phase took place on May 14th in the garden of the Don Pino Puglisi complex. The Carabinieri of Biodiversity of the Margherita di Savoia Unit, represented by Commander Matera Ruggiero, Marshal Ferreri and Officer Scelto Fortunato, donated specimens of native forest botanical species to the school: Quercus Ilex L., Quercus Robur L., Quercus Suber L., Acer Campestre L., and a specimen of Ficus macrophylla magnolioides called Talea di Falcone, as a sign of collaboration for sustainable development. The native species were planted by the pupils of classes 3A and 4A. The teachers and students welcomed the police by showing green and legal activities, interacting on the importance of the project. The ceremony saw the presence of Don Franco Lorusso, who blessed the native plants and the Falcone cutting, underlining the meaning of blessing the entire Creation and building sustainable peace and legality.
The “green school” of Bisceglie continues to place itself at the center of actions to protect the environment and legality in a promotional and educational perspective, training the future men and women of tomorrow. Grazia Cassanelli reiterates the school’s commitment to promoting these fundamental values.
