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Venice recruits next generation in flooding fight
As rising waters fuel fears that Venice may one day be entirely submerged, local children are being educated on how to protect the lagoon.
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This file photo taken on September 27, 2022 shows a flooded St. Mark's square and St. Mark's basilica in Venice following an 'Alta Acqua' high tide event. (AFP/Andrea Pattaro)
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s rising waters fuel fears that Venice may one day be entirely submerged, local children are being educated on how to protect the lagoon, a fragile ecosystem threatened by climate change.
On Torcello, an island located in the northern part of the lagoon, around 40 five-year-olds this week attended an outdoor lesson on the shores damaged by the waves from motorboats speeding to and from Venice.
As part of an initiative from UNESCO, the UN cultural agency, they splashed in the mud, made fish from recycled papier mache, took samples of sea water and drew pictures of the nature around them.
"We want the children to learn to observe nature and the lagoon, to learn to understand it, to love it and learn how better protect it," said programme coordinator Francesca Santoro.
Venice is one of the world's most extraordinary cities, a UNESCO heritage site that draws millions of tourists each year.
But it is slowly drowning.
The landmark St Mark's Square is regularly flooded by "acqua alta", high water events caused by abnormally high tides, providing good photos for visitors but threatening the city's foundations.
