Networking and shared visions: a central theme also at the Garda Forum

19 May 2026

On Thursday, May 14, in Peschiera del Garda at the Parc Hotel Paradiso & Golf Resort, and promoted by the Rotary Clubs of Peschiera and Garda Veronese, Riva del Garda, Salò and Desenzano del Garda, the Garda Forum took place, focusing on the theme: “What future for Lake Garda? A journey through water quality, environment and renaturalization.”
 

An overall perspective on the event was offered by Giuseppe Spatola, journalist for Bresciaoggi:
“A paradigm shift is needed in the way we address ecological issues. Sustainability should not be seen as a set of constraints or sacrifices, but as an opportunity for development and transformation for the territory. The role of the media is to help citizens and tourists understand that environmental protection is not an obstacle to development, but rather the necessary condition to guarantee quality of life, attractiveness and a future for Lake Garda,” he said regarding the role of information in building a new environmental culture.
 

Also significant were the contributions of Filippo Gavazzoni, Deputy Mayor of Peschiera del Garda and Vice President of the Comunità del Garda, who during the event highlighted the administrative complexity of the area:
“Lake Garda is a unique territory from both an environmental and tourism perspective, but fragmented from an institutional point of view. For this very reason, governance capable of coordinating territories, provinces and different regions around common goals is needed. Opportunities for discussion such as this are essential to build a shared vision and give Lake Garda a unified voice on major environmental and infrastructural issues.”
 

Equally important were the remarks by Luca Fambri from the Department of Industrial Engineering at the University of Trento, who reminded us that:
“[…] Protecting Lake Garda depends first and foremost on scientific knowledge and on the ability to spread awareness among citizens, operators and institutions.”
 

Finally, Stefania Lorenzoni, President of the Garda Unico Consortium, emphasized the need for a shared vision of the territory:
“Lake Garda must be promoted and protected as one large territorial system. Only by overcoming administrative boundaries can we truly enhance its identity and effectively address environmental challenges. Protecting the landscape, water quality and the balance of the ecosystem means preserving the economic and social future of our communities.”