The Mediterranean it is a biodiversity hotspot and a fundamental resource for implementing the sustainability of production processes, especially those linked to the biomedical, agricultural and food sectors. For this reason, a team of researchers from three universitiesMediterranean University of Reggio Calabria, Salerno and Milan Bicocca – as part of the scientific collaboration that has consolidated in recent years – has given rise to a study, research and training expedition, aimed at understanding and enhancing the biodiversity of Calabria.
In addition to the doctoral students, research fellows and researchers, thirty-one young students from the degree courses in biological sciences of the University of Bicocca.
Professors’ interventions
“In the areas under study, plant and animal species of great interest and peculiar ecosystem dynamics were observed that can only be observed in these pristine contexts”said the Prof. Massimo Labra, expedition coordinator for UNIMIB and scientific director of the National Biodiversity Future Center. The professor. Rakes of the University of Salerno, also involved in the National Biodiversity Future Center, highlighted how the Mediterranean species observed offer a world made of phytocomplexes and phytocompounds with extraordinary properties of biological interest.
“The knowledge acquired is not only strategic with a view to valorising the immense biodiversity heritage of this country, in support of a humanity that needs a realignment with nature for its own psycho-physical well-being, but can be at the basis of a true urban ecological transition, as in the city context it is increasingly important to choose to plant plant species that not only manage to tolerate the evident climate change that brings heat and drought, but also beauty”he comments Andrea Galimberti of the PNRR MUSA project (Milan Innovation Ecosystem).
The expedition was attended by UNIRC Prof. Mariateresa Russo, spoke leader of the PNRR Tech4you project (Innovation Ecosystem of Calabria and Basilicata) and of the National Research Center for Agricultural Technologies – Agritech, to which, with Dr. Sonia Carabetta and a group of PhD students and PNRR fellows, in close collaboration with the prof. Luca Campone of UNIMIB, is entrusted with the chemical characterization of the plant materials collected from the various sites.
Professor Russo wanted to underline how this first experience has demonstrated that it is concretely possible to structure solid collaborations between the North and South innovation ecosystems such as MUSA and Tech4You and between these and the National Centers created thanks to the PNRR.
The words of Rector Zimbalatti
“The desired formalization of specific agreements between the Universities involved is in line and enriches, – declares the prof. Giuseppe Zimbalatti. Rector of the Mediterranean University – the national research policy objectives and is in strong continuity with the first experience of sharing between universities in the north and south of the country which took shape in the pilot project developed by the Mediterranean University of Reggio Calabria and the University of Bergamo and which led to the Italian Erasmus programme”.
The Rector Giuseppe Zimbalatti and the Vice-Rector Russo wish to express a “heartfelt thanks to all those who favored the success of the expedition and in particular to Gen. Raffaele Manicone, Commander of the Carabinieri Biodiversity Group, to Col. Luca Toti, Provincial Commander of the Carabinieri of Vibo Valentia, to Col. Rocco Pelle of the Carabinieri Biodiversity Department of Mongiana and to the Selected Officer QS Luigi Cavallaro as well as to Dr. Carmine Lupia and the official guides of the Aspromonte National Park, in particular Demi D’Arrigo”.
“The latu sensu collaborative approach is fundamental – concludes Russo – as it allows the exchange of knowledge, experiences, skills and is the main path to promote the harmonious growth of the entire country and guarantee the future of our young people”.
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