Our team, as part of the civic monitoring path of the MAPA (Marine Adriatic Parks) project, visited the Department of Agriculture of the University of Molise, living an important experience of comparison with the academic world and scientific research. 

During the meeting we met Professor Nicolaia Iaffaldano, who explained to us the main research activities of the Department and its commitment to the protection of biodiversity. In particular, we were presented with the NAT SALMO project, dedicated to the conservation of native fish species and the protection of aquatic ecosystems, a concrete example of scientific intervention in support of protected species and the sustainable management of natural resources. 

The visit allowed us to broaden our perspective on the issue of environmental protection at regional and national level, understanding how different projects can contribute, with complementary approaches, to the protection of biodiversity. 

During the outing we also met a researcher from the economic area of UNIMOL and we discussed the role of the University in European projects such as MAPA. 

The comparison concerned collaborations with companies for sustainability, the contribution of university training to the effectiveness of projects, the importance of civic monitoring and the role of the University as a bridge between research, territory and citizens. 

The experience represented a significant moment of growth and awareness, strengthening the link between civic monitoring, scientific research and sustainable development.

On February 26, 2026, a meeting dedicated to environmental sustainability and the reduction of the use of plastic was held in Termoli, organised as part of the OpenCoesione Project with the participation of class 3A AFM of the I.I.S. Boccardi-Tiberio. 

The event represented a moment of confrontation between schools, institutions and associations committed to environmental protection, with the aim of raising awareness among young people in particular about the importance of responsible behaviour. 

During the meeting, the projects and activities carried out by the schools were presented, such as the separate collection in the classroom, the Week without plastic, creative initiatives with recycled materials and beach cleaning days. 

It was also emphasised how these activities contribute to the growth of the city's separate collection, which in Termoli exceeded 73%. 

The representatives of the Municipality and environmental associations highlighted the results achieved on the territory and explained the importance of collaboration between institutions, schools and citizens. The operation of door-to-door collection, the value of the circular economy and the initiatives promoted by associations such as Plastic Free and Rifiuti Zero were also illustrated. 

The meeting ended with a reflection on climate change and the fundamental role of environmental education, reiterating how the active participation of students is essential to build a more sustainable future.

The mouth of the Trigno is a natural area of great environmental value, rich in biodiversity but also vulnerable to degradation and abandonment. 

The Municipality of Montenero di Bisaccia, together with ARPA and within the international Interreg project MAPA, promotes actions aimed at protecting the territory, raising citizens’ awareness and encouraging sustainable development.

Through educational activities in schools and collaborations with environmental associations, the project works to increase environmental awareness and involve the local community in the protection of this important ecosystem. 

At the same time, specific interventions on the purifier aim to reduce environmental impact and improve the quality of the surrounding waters.

MAPA also represents an opportunity for international cooperation and the exchange of good practises between the territories involved in the project.

In this way, it helps develop shared strategies for environmental protection and sustainable management of coastal areas.

The initiative also prepares the way for the possible future creation of a protected marine park, which would ensure coordinated and long-term management of the area. 

At the same time, the project enhances the territory, promotes responsible tourism and strengthens local awareness of the importance of protecting the environment, transforming the mouth of the Trigno into an example of balance between conservation and sustainable development.

On March 3, 2026, the Blue Waves team went to the mouth of the Trigno River to closely observe the current conditions of the area and collect testimonies on the territory. 

During the visit, some interviews were conducted with local children and Francesco, owner of a nearby campsite, to better understand the environmental situation and the future prospects of the area. 

During the interview, Francesco talked about the international project related to the protection of the sea and the possible creation of a protected area, which also aims to reduce intensive fishing and promote activities such as fishing tourism. 

However, it highlighted some difficulties and criticalities, such as the change in traditional fishing activities and the lack, at the moment, of concrete visible results on the territory. 

He also highlighted some problems present in the mouth area, including waste, illegal camping and work that could conflict with the idea of a true nature reserve. 

The activity allowed students to directly observe the situation of the mouth of the Trigno and to collect opinions of those who live and work in the area, helping to better understand the challenges related to environmental protection and the management of this natural area.

The meeting offered students an important opportunity to reflect on the development of the territory of Montenero di Bisaccia and, in particular, on the valorisation of the Costa Verde and the mouth of the Trigno. 

Through the story of administrative experiences and territorial planning choices, the debate between industrial and tourist development models that have affected the area in recent decades has been retraced.

During the intervention, several aspects were analysed: the urban history of the territory, the role of the San Salvo industrial zone, the failed project of the Mitsubishi settlement, and the choice to focus on sustainable tourism development. 

Ample space has also been dedicated to environmental issues, such as the problem of the purifier, coastal erosion and the protection of naturalistic areas, including SIC areas and the habitats of protected species such as the Fratino.

Particular attention was paid to the potential of the mouth of the Trigno as a possible marine park and as an opportunity for economic and tourist growth for the territory.

It was emphasised that the development of this area requires not only planning, but also adequate services, efficient connections, environmental protection and greater community awareness.

The meeting ended with an invitation to students to reflect on the future of the territory and to propose concrete ideas to enhance it, demonstrating how the new generations can actively contribute to the construction of sustainable and responsible development.

In the classroom of the 3ª AFM class, an interesting in-depth meeting dedicated to the European MAPA project took place, during which the students had the opportunity to dialogue directly with the representatives of ARPA Molise. The activity was organised as a real reading-interview room, in which the class prepared and asked a series of questions regarding the objectives, activities, and results of the project.

The meeting began with a brief introduction on the meaning of the MAPA project and the role played by ARPA within the European collaboration. The representatives of the agency explained that the project was born with the aim of strengthening the environmental protection of some natural areas of great ecological value, through monitoring activities, scientific research, and cooperation between different territories bordering the Adriatic Sea.

During the interview, three pilot areas very different from each other but united by a great importance from a naturalistic point of view were deepened: the Foce del Trigno, the Conero Park, and the Island of Silba. ARPA representatives explained the environmental characteristics of these places, explaining what natural habitats and animal and plant species are present and why these areas deserve special attention at the European level. It has also been highlighted that such ecosystems are often threatened by several factors, including pollution, tourist pressure and climate change.

The students then asked questions about the goals that ARPA Molise had set itself at the start of the project, which began in February 2024. Among the main objectives were the improvement of environmental monitoring activities, the collection of scientific data useful for the protection of coastal ecosystems and the strengthening of cooperation between the various Italian and Croatian partners involved in the project.

Another important part of the meeting was dedicated to the evaluation of the results achieved to date. Considering that the project is now close to completion, the representatives explained which activities have already been completed and which are still being implemented. Some results exceeded initial expectations, especially with regard to collaboration between bodies and the participation of local communities.

We also talked about the difficulties encountered during the management of the project. The students asked what were the main problems faced, both from a technical-scientific point of view and from an administrative and organisational point of view. ARPA representatives said that the management of an international project requires great coordination work between different partners, but that the collaboration between the institutions involved has made it possible to overcome many of the initial difficulties.

Particular attention has also been paid to initiatives to involve the territory, such as MAPA Days, events organised in the different pilot areas to inform and involve citizens, fishermen, tour operators and local associations. The students showed interest in understanding how important the participation of the population is in the protection of the environment and in the valorisation of natural resources.

Finally, the interview also addressed the issue of the economic resources of the project. Public data show that ARPA Molise has been allocated a significant part of the total budget. The students asked if these resources were sufficient to carry out all the planned environmental monitoring activities, especially in a complex area such as the Foce del Trigno, and if some activities would require greater investment.

The meeting turned out to be a very formative experience for class 3ª AFM, because it allowed students to deal directly with professionals in the environmental sector and to better understand how European projects dedicated to territorial protection work. Through questions and dialogue with experts, students were able to concretely approach the world of scientific research, sustainability and international cooperation.

An experience at sea can become much more than just an excursion. Sailing along the Conero coast means closely observing a unique territory, where landscape, biodiversity, and human activities coexist in a delicate balance.

During sailing, students and escorts had the opportunity to get to know Monte Conero and the area of the Conero Park from a privileged perspective: the sea. This stretch of the Adriatic coast is characterised by spectacular cliffs, particular seabeds and symbolic places such as Portonovo and the iconic rocks of the Two Sisters, which emerge from the water like two natural sentries.

Navigation was also an opportunity to deepen fundamental issues related to the marine environment. Among these, the presence of Conero mussels, a particular species of mussels today protected because it has been threatened in recent years by environmental phenomena such as mucilage, which has reduced the oxygen available in the seabed and compromised their growth. For this reason, the collection was banned, and today the species is protected.

The meaning of sustainability in its most complete form has been discussed, which includes three fundamental dimensions:

• Environmental: linked to the protection of biodiversity and pollution reduction;

• Social: which concerns the well-being of communities and the education of the new generations;

• Economically: necessary to make environmental projects really long-lasting.

The Conero Park can also be interpreted through the concept of blue economy, that is, a development model that enhances marine resources in a sustainable way. Sporting events, diving routes, educational activities, and tourism initiatives can contribute both to the protection of the environment and to local economic development.

Observing the coast from the sea allows you to better understand the fragility and value of this environment. The cliffs, coastal caves, and areas subject to landslides tell a geological story in constant evolution, while the sea represents a complex ecosystem that requires attention and respect.

This experience demonstrates how direct contact with nature can become a powerful educational tool: not only to get to know the territory, but also to imagine its future.