The Municipality of Bardolino, in collaboration with the volunteer association “Comunità dei giovani – Oltre il confine” (Community of Youth – Beyond the Border), is carrying out a project that transforms the care of the San Severo stream into an act of environmental protection and social redemption. The project, called “Laudato si'”, takes inspiration from Pope Francis’ encyclical on integral ecology and aims to clean up an abandoned area along the course of the stream, which over the years has turned into an open-air landfill.
Thanks to the collaboration with various entities, including the State Property Agency, the State Forestry Corps, and private landowners adjacent to the stream, it has been possible to remove the waste and undergrowth that infested the slopes of the San Severo. Taking care of these operations is Cristian Viola, employed by the cooperative “La Quercia” as a gardener-caretaker. With only physical strength and the use of shears, without the help of mechanical tools such as chainsaws, Viola has cleared a large part of the stream from brambles and waste abandoned over the years.
Recently, the municipal administration of Bardolino visited the site to evaluate the results achieved so far. The improvement is evident, with dozens of glass and plastic bottles, flower pots, and various waste collected for disposal. Going upstream towards San Colombano, it can be seen that the flora is returning to bloom, demonstrating that even the most neglected places can regenerate.
The mayor of Bardolino, Lauro Sabaini, commented on the importance of the Laudato si’ project: “Thanks to the commitment of our social services, the collaboration with the Community of Youth, and above all the tireless efforts of Cristian, this portion of territory is shining again.” Don Paolo Bolognani, president of the “Comunità dei giovani – Oltre il confine,” emphasized how the project has given Cristian the opportunity to find meaningful work and serve the community. It is hoped that similar experiences can also arise in other municipalities, offering people in difficult situations the opportunity for redemption.
The Laudato si’ project will continue throughout the year with the goal of also freeing the upper part of the stream. Furthermore, it is hoped to make this green oasis known to the citizens and future generations once the cleaning is completed.
This project represents an important example of how environmental care can go hand in hand with the social recovery of individuals. The collaboration between local institutions and volunteer associations is crucial for the success of initiatives of this kind, which contribute to improving the quality of life in the area and enhancing the natural resources present.
