A group of eighty divers submerged in the waters of Lake Garda, specifically in Bardolino, for the fifth edition of the “Clean Lake 2024” initiative. This event, organized by the Gas Diving School Group and supported by the Municipality of Bardolino, the Province of Verona, the Veneto Region, and Veneto Agricoltura, saw volunteers engaged in cleaning the lakebed.
During the morning of July 7th, divers from all over the Veneto region scoured the stretch of coast in front of the Lenotti lakeside promenade. Equipped with nets and working in pairs at depths of up to four meters, they managed to recover approximately six quintals of abandoned waste. Among the objects found were tires, poles, propellers, batteries, and iron wires. There were also chairs, buckets, and even a child’s helmet and bicycle. Common waste items such as glass and plastic bottles, cans, flip-flops, sunglasses, and lighters were also numerous.
The Support of Local Authorities
The mayor of Bardolino, Daniele Bertasi, expressed gratitude towards the volunteers: “We thank the volunteers for this initiative, which reminds us how important it is to preserve our lake and keep the town clean and tidy.” He also emphasized the importance of environmental protection combined with raising awareness against waste abandonment.
The Voice of the Organizers
Michele Girelli, president of the Gas Diving School and coordinator of the event, stated that every year they hope the nets remain empty, but unfortunately, it is never the case: “Waste is always found: thrown from the shore or from boats, it ends up on the lake bottom.” Girelli explained that bringing these waste items to the surface serves as a visual message to educate about the respect for the lake environment.
Community Participation
The event also saw active participation from local associations including the Alpine troops, Bardolino Sport Fishing, Pink Darsena Rowing Club, and Civil Protection. The morning was enlivened by Radio Pico. Institutional figures such as the Vice President of the Veneto Region Elisa De Berti, regional councilor Filippo Rigo, and MEP Paolo Borchia were also present at the event and praised the volunteers’ commitment.
This edition of the “Clean Lake” initiative not only contributed to the safeguarding of Lake Garda but also demonstrated how crucial collaboration between citizens and institutions is in protecting the natural resources of the area.
Italian Version
