Dialogues of Pollenzo
Biodiversity for the Sustainable Development of the Country
May 22, 2025 – Pollenzo, University of Gastronomic Sciences, Aula Magna
The University of Gastronomic Sciences of Pollenzo and the Fondazione Patto con il Mare per la Terra will inaugurate the first edition of the Dialogues of Pollenzo on May 22, 2025, coinciding with the International Day for Biological Diversity.
This event, set to become an annual occurrence, aims to serve as a Biodiversity Think Tank—a platform for dialogue among scholars, institutions, and businesses. Its goal is to generate ideas and insights capable of positively influencing society and environmental and social policies, both locally and globally, and to become a leading reference point on biodiversity and sustainability.
The initiative reinforces the mission of both Pollenzo—an academic institution long dedicated to promoting biodiversity through education and research—and the Foundation Pact with the Sea for the Earth, established in 2024 specifically to address these crucial challenges and contribute actively to the ecological transition.
The 2025 edition of the Dialogues of Pollenzo will bring together academics, institutional representatives, and figures from the scientific and business communities to explore the interconnections among environment, agriculture, economy, and society.
The day will begin at 9:45 AM with participant registration.
The Dialogues will be introduced by Nicola Perullo, Rector of UNISG; Carlo Petrini, President of the University; and Roberto Danovaro, President of the Fondazione Patto con il Mare per la Terra.
The opening address will be delivered by Dario Nardella, Member of the European Parliament and member of the Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development, who will reflect on the European strategy for agriculture and biodiversity.
Throughout the morning, various speakers will address biodiversity from different perspectives.
Gianfranco Bologna, Scientific Director of WWF Italy and member of the Club of Rome, will highlight the deep connection between biodiversity and sustainability. Francesca Greco, a Marie Curie fellow at the University of Bergamo, will tackle the topic of “bluewashing,” providing tools to recognize and combat it. Carlo Blasi, Scientific Director of CIRBISES, joining online from Sapienza University of Rome, will discuss nature restoration as a direct outcome of biodiversity protection.
Davide Geneletti from the University of Trento will emphasize the importance of urban ecosystems in sustainable city development, while Nunziacarla Spanò from the University of Messina will analyze the role of marine biodiversity in environmental impact assessments. Lastly, Alessandro Chiarucci from the University of Bologna will talk about the “biodiversity arks of the Anthropocene,” an effort to preserve fragments of nature for future generations.
The session will resume at 3:00 PM with a roundtable focused on the relationship between businesses and biodiversity. The debate will feature prominent figures from the entrepreneurial world, such as Michele Andriani (ANDRIANI S.p.A.), Antonella Beltrame (CORTILIA), and Corrado Paternò Castello (BONIVIRI), along with representatives from the third sector including Barbara Nappini (Slow Food) and Stefano Ciafani (Legambiente).
The event will conclude at 4:30 PM with remarks by Silvio Greco, Secretary General of the Scientific Council of the PMT Foundation, who will summarize the many insights shared throughout the day.
The event is open to everyone interested in exploring the topic of biodiversity and its impact on our lives and future. However, registration for the event and lunch is mandatory via this link: registration form.