Water Conservation Challenges in Garda Lake Area: Insights from Lions Club Conference

“Sister Water – Knowing It to Save It,” is the theme discussed at a conference organized by the Lions Club Garda occidentale and Valsabbia, held in the halls of the “Monastero” in Soiano del Lago. An intermeeting between the two Lions Clubs, with Pierlucio Ceresa from the Comunità del Garda serving as the speaker, and concluding remarks by Giorgio Foschini from the Comitato distrettuale del Garda “Energy and Culture.” The interesting evening began with greetings from the presidents, Giuseppe Frazzini for Lions Club Garda occidentale, and Luciano Manelli for Valsabbia.

It was observed that, in a few years, we could face a severe water shortage, which will pose the major problem of the 2000s. Therefore, it becomes essential to educate present and future generations about the correct use and conservation of this precious resource. It is also crucial to develop a water resource map for each area, framed within the natural basin rather than administrative and political borders.

For example, the Garda Lake area was cited, with its over 20 million inhabitants, facing interpretative difficulties about how to proceed, having to deal with 23 municipalities, 3 regions, and 4 provinces, even if recent years have seen efforts to address the water problem in a unified manner.

The Value and Protection of Water

Ultimately, it was emphasized that water is a common heritage, the value of which must be recognized by all, taking into account that freshwater supplies are not unlimited. It is therefore essential to preserve them – it was pointed out – monitor them, and if possible, increase them. Water is a precious resource, vital for all human activities. Hence, water quality must be sufficient to meet public health needs.

When water, after being used, is returned to its natural environment, it must not compromise the potential uses that the environment itself can provide.

Future Consequences and Issues

Finally, it was stressed that “the increase in consumption across all sectors, the advanced technological possibilities for exploiting deep waters, and large hydraulic works, with the transformation of natural regimes into artificial ones, as well as the related impacts on ecosystems, must prioritize knowledge issues so as not to face situations that better understanding could resolve.” (c. b.)