Desenzano Lemon Grove Revival: Conference on Heritage and Sustainability
Lemon yellow between blue sky and water is the first event to be held in Desenzano del Garda on October 20, 2001, at the Palazzo del Turismo, aimed at promoting the valorization of the Gardesan lemon groves, a historical and cultural heritage of Lake Garda at risk of “extinction”.
The initiative, conceived and promoted by President of the City Council, Dr. Maria Ida Germontani, is realized thanks to the contribution of the Commission for Equal Opportunities of the Municipality of Desenzano, the availability of eminent scholars who offer their presence for a discussion of experiences and projects, and the active collaboration of entrepreneurs sensitive to environmental issues.
Morning program and debate
The conference begins with morning interventions focused on the local context: Domenico Fava, historian and expert in local history, will present historical testimonials on the socio-economic use of lemon groves, followed by Lorenzo Trevisani, the “last” lemon grower of Gargnano.
Maria Ida Germontani, when asked: “What future for the lemon groves?”, will introduce the contributions of Giovanni Cicognetti, architect specialized in restoration and cataloging of lemon groves and bioclimatic architectures, and Alberta Cazzani, architect and professor at the Politecnico di Milano, Faculty of Architecture.
The afternoon debate will expand to a national level, with interventions from: Giuseppe Barbera, professor at the University of Palermo, Faculty of Agriculture, responsible for the project for the recovery of the Conca d’Oro citrus and the Citrus Garden of Pantelleria; Giuseppe Rallo, architect and superintendent of architectural heritage in Venice, responsible for the restoration of Villa Pisani in Strà; Giorgio Galletti, architect and superintendent of architectural and environmental heritage in Florence, director of the Boboli Gardens and the Medici Citrus Collection.
Christiane Garnero, architect and responsible for the project “Protection of citrus groves of the French Riviera and Liguria”; Carmine Guarino, botanist and professor at the University of Napoli, Faculty of Agriculture, responsible for the Capodimonte park.
The presence of Jorrit Tornquist, professor of industrial design for visual communication at the Politecnico di Milano, with his essay “transversal” on color as an intrinsic element of the environment, will be the leitmotif throughout the day.
The morning session will conclude with a roundtable of Mayors, Councilors, and institutions from the Gardesan Riviera, aimed at promoting joint initiatives for the conservation, restoration, and enhancement of lemon groves, a heritage of humanity.
The interventions will be moderated by Dr. Germontani.
Atmosphere and photographic exhibition
To evoke an atmosphere rich in suggestions and fragrances, the setting of a “Lemon Garden” in front of the Porto Vecchio has been entrusted to Giorgio Galeri, head of Florbenaco. Thanks to the collaboration with Ocean-Viaggi, the printing of advertising and educational material will be carried out.
An exhibition of historical and recent photographic testimonies will be set up in the rooms of the Palazzo del Turismo, providing an eloquent comparison, alongside an exhibition of working tools accessible to the public.
Proceedings, project, and conclusions
The contributions of the conference will be compiled into proceedings and later published with the collaboration of Grafo Editori.
The project for promoting the territory through the recovery of lemon groves, architectural structures that have characterized the environment, society, and economy of the Brescia shore of Lake Garda for centuries, originated from the passion connecting organizers and entrepreneurs to the territory and its traditions, and the speakers to study and research.
The organizers aim to transform this study day into an annual appointment for discussion, monitoring initiatives, and addressing related issues.
The project, which can become a tool for further new economic opportunities across many entrepreneurial sectors, not only tourism, is also supported by the sponsorship of National, Regional, and Provincial Institutions.
The day will be sweetened by delicacies offered by Cameo and Ristorante Al Fattore of Desenzano.
The coordination of the entire event is handled by Marialuisa Monesi and Sira Savoldi, who hope to meet among the entrepreneur-readers of this article new allies.
