Scientific Conference and gala evening of the Italian branch of the Foundation in Rome

In the presence of the Sovereign Prince, the Italian Branch of the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation organised a scientific conference on last October 17, in partnership with the City of Rome and the Sapienza di Roma University, on the theme of "Smart Cities, Urban Forests and Water Protection". 

In the presence of 200 guests, gathered in the prestigious Salle degli Orazi e Curiazi of the Capitoline Museum, HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco spoke alongside Mrs Virginia Raggi, Mayor of Rome, Eugenio Gaudio, Rector of the University and Professors Carlo Blasi and Marco Petitta, on the challenges related to the development of our cities with greater respect for the environment, water and forests, particularly in the face of the urgency of climate change.

In His speech, after thanking the Vice-President of the Italian branch Marco Colasanti for this great organization, the Sovereign Prince recalled, in the heart of this “eternal city”, the ambivalent relationship that cities have always had with nature. "The way in which we design our cities, the links we create with the natural environment, whether this be water or forests, are testimony to the broader relationship we have with the environment, the Planet, and our ability to accept its demands. Demands which we cannot ignore. I am therefore delighted to see the return of such concerns today, pointing towards the return of lucidity," the Sovereign said.

While we must now face the devastating effects of climate change on biodiversity but also on our citizens, it is essential to find a new approach to cities and the environment, based on the possibilities offered by the smart city, allowing more flexible and relevant management of infrastructure and uses. "Through forests, through water, through the opportunities offered by the smart city, we need to focus on reinventing ourselves as much as reinventing urban planning. »

While in her welcoming address, the Mayor recalled that Rome was one of the only cities in Italy to have accepted a concrete action plan for the preservation of the environment, Professor Carlo Blasi spoke on the theme of urban forests, recalling that green spaces made it possible to mitigate the effects of climate change, reduce heat in cities but also reduce CO2 emissions while providing ecosystem, environmental and social benefits. Speaking, Professor Marco Petitta mentioned the priority of optimizing water needs and consumption, which must be based on careful assessment and conscious use of groundwater, as well as on an appropriate policy for preserving the resource.

A gala dinner was held that very evening at the Capitol in the magnificent Protomoteca hall, bringing together all the members of the Italian branch, alongside the Sovereign Prince. Mrs Virginia Raggi, Mayor of Rome and Mr Lorenzo Fioramonti, Minister of Education were among the guests of this evening, hosted with great humour by the Italian journalist and presenter Massimo Giletti.