The routes of Marco Polo, those on water that lead to the East. The celebrations of the 700th anniversary of the death of the Venetian explorer were the focus of the third day of the conference "Water Resource from the Dolomites to the Sea - Quality, Development, and Biodiversity" currently taking place at the Galassi Refuge, in Calalzo di Cadore, promoted by the City of Venice and the Cai of Mestre.
Today's protagonists were representatives of some Chinese cities (Suzhou, Hangzhou, Yangzhou, and Wuxi), recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, which, like Venice, are built on water. They were introduced by the Honourable Laura Fincato, representing the Marco Polo 700 Committee, and Alessandro Costa, the director of the Venice World Capital of Sustainability Foundation.
Environment City Councillor Massimiliano De Martin introduced the interventions. "It is an honour and a pride to host four Chinese cities remotely that are connected to Venice not only for historical reasons but also for issues related to water resource management," said De Martin. "For the conference organized here at Galassi, this adds value by enriching the debate and providing it with an international perspective."
The debate centred on water management approaches concerning climate change, pollution, reclamation, and territory requalification. From the experience of the twin city Suzhou to Hangzhou, known as the Venice of the East, where the traditional millennial bond with water has been characterized in recent years by interventions to mitigate the impact of atmospheric events and water treatment to ensure supply while conserving resources. This includes Yangzhou and Wuxi, where large-scale reclamation works have become examples of urban and environmental regeneration, with the reopening of large public parks that now host events and festivals along their respective waterways.
"These days are moments of comparison, deepening, exchange of experiences and technological research that focus on water: a fundamental but finite resource that is becoming increasingly scarce," added Fincato. "The Marco Polo 700 Committee's program includes 11 projects, among which is the celebration of the Milione and the relationships Marco Polo established in many Chinese cities."
The debate then shifted to Venice, with an intervention by Alessandro Costa, who emphasized the importance of the MOSE system for the protection of the lagoon city: "The MOSE has been activated 84 times since 2020," explained Costa. "And in these situations, Venice has been preserved from problematic events. This leads us to reflect: by protecting the city from the waters, we have transformed it from one of the most threatened in the world to one of the most protected. So today, Venice has a protection system that can be made available to cities facing similar issues according to their needs and contexts. In fact, by protecting Venice and its entire hinterland from water, we enable the sustainable development of its socioeconomic fabric."
The conference will conclude tomorrow, Saturday, June 29, with the final meetings and an excursion to the Forcella Piccola of Antelao.
