The General Assembly of the Garda Community took place on February 1, 2025, in Mantua, a significant event that saw the participation of key institutional figures. President Mariastella Gelmini emphasized the importance of the city as a starting point for new memberships and initiatives aimed at cultural enhancement and territorial development.
The choice of Mantua, a UNESCO World Heritage site, as the venue for the assembly reflects the desire to strengthen the bonds among the various communities that make up the Garda Community. Present at the meeting were Prefect Roberto Bolognesi, Provincial President Carlo Bottani, and various mayors and local administrators. Secretary General Pierlucio Ceresa coordinated the proceedings, highlighting the progress made since 2015 in expanding the membership base.
New Memberships and Strategic Synergies
In recent years, the Community has welcomed new members, including the municipalities of Lonato del Garda, Sirmione, Castelnuovo del Garda, and others. This expansion is viewed as a fundamental strategic synergy for the broader Garda area. Gelmini stated: “The Mantuan territory has always looked closely at the Garda area, and it was so unnatural for it not to be part of it.” This approach aims to unite efforts to promote the tourist and cultural development of the involved cities.
Additionally, the Garda Community has joined the Mincio River Contract, a project that includes over 70 entities and associations to manage water resources in an integrated manner. Such initiatives are essential to ensure sustainable development while respecting the environment.
Culture and Future Projects
Another central aspect discussed during the assembly was the enhancement of the cultural offer through collaboration with GardaMusei. From this synergy, an interregional festival will be born, set to begin in 2026, aimed at highlighting the cultural heritage of the locations around the lake. Giordano Bruno Guerri, President of the Vittoriale degli Italiani, expressed gratitude to Gelmini for her commitment to realizing this project.
Environmental rehabilitation remains a priority; however, there are no significant updates regarding the management of wastewater treatment systems along the Lombard and Venetian shores. Gelmini confirmed that active work is being done on collection projects in both regions, with the goal of ensuring environmental safety.
Challenges for Small Businesses
Andrea Maggioni, Coordinator of Confesercenti for Lake Garda, highlighted that the reduction of retail outlets in the area is not only an economic issue but also a social one, as it affects access to basic services. He emphasized the need for targeted policies to support local commerce, proposing tax incentives and urban regeneration interventions.
He called on local policymakers to pay greater attention to these businesses, which are vital for socialization, urban safety, and maintaining community spirit, as well as for the tourist appeal of the area. He ultimately denounced the decade-long contraction of neighborhood stores, hoping for swift action before the situation worsens further.
Navigational Safety and Tourism Management
The presence of the Coast Guard on the lake for over twenty-five years has been recognized as a crucial element for the safety of both residents and tourists. Gelmini praised the efforts of law enforcement in monitoring the lake and in rescue operations.
Regarding tourism management, the Observatory for Tourism on Lake Garda continues to analyze emerging trends in the global tourism sector. Particular focus has been placed on American, Arab, and Chinese markets through training events such as the Summer School dedicated to luxury tourism.
Gelmini reiterated the importance of cooperation among the various entities responsible for promoting tourism in the lake area without overlaps: “To contribute to this unified image of Garda in the world… we are considering a possible presence of Lake Garda at Expo 2025 in Japan.”
Finally, regarding the Garda Cycle Path, the integration proposed by the Lombardy Region to improve the usability of cycling routes along the lake was positively received.
The assembly thus represents a significant step forward in the direction of territorial development through strategic collaborations among various local entities with a view to enhancing the cultural and natural resources present in the Garda region.
Italian Version
