Echo Project: Submerged Meadows to Save Lake Lugano and Como

Contesto

In Minoprio, fifteen kilometres south of Como, a warehouse houses eighteen transparent freshwater tanks. Inside, thousands of aquatic plants are thriving: Vallisneria spiralis, Myriophyllum spicatum, Potamogeton perfoliatus and Potamogeton lucens. These species, which typically grow on lakebeds, will be transplanted to experimental sites in Lugano and Como starting in May 2026 as part of the Interreg Echo project. ## A cross-border initiative to combat lake degradation Echo is a project funded by the Interreg Italy-Switzerland cooperation programme, with a total budget of €320,000 and CHF 60,000. Over its three-year duration (2025–2027), the project focuses on two key objectives: restoring submerged meadows and assessing the carbon storage potential of lake sediments. Nicola Castelnuovo, a naturalist and researcher with the Italian association Proteus — a project partner — explains that submerged meadows are critical habitats for biodiversity but are in sharp decline in the Lario and Ceresio basins. ### Two lakes, two different realities The experimental sites, each covering 500 square metres and located between three and five metres deep near the shore, will be established in both Lake Como (Italy) and Lake Lugano (Switzerland). Castelnuovo highlights the differences between the two basins: > ‘In Lake Como, submerged meadows are steadily depleting and have disappeared entirely in some areas. In Lugano, the situation is more varied: there are zones with extremely limited vegetation, others colonised by invasive species, and others still with high-quality meadows.’ ### Plants grow at a rate of one centimetre per day The tanks in Minoprio were set up between October and November 2025, initially housing around twenty specimens per tank. By March 2026, each tank now...

Dettagli operativi

Direct impacts on Ticino and cross-border workers at the border For the Canton of Ticino, this project represents a concrete opportunity to improve the water quality of Lake Lugano, a strategic resource for tourism and local life. Once restored, submerged meadows could reduce eutrophication and limit the spread of harmful algae, phenomena that in recent years have led to temporary closures of bathing establishments and restrictions on water use. 📊 A boost for the local economy Lakes Como and Lugano are attractive hubs for thousands of cross-border workers who cross the border daily for work. Improved water quality could also have positive repercussions on the hospitality and food service sectors, which rely heavily on the lakes' image. Additionally, projects like Echo could attract European funding for further environmental protection initiatives, creating job opportunities for environmental technicians and researchers. ### Comparison with the current situation Before the launch of the Echo project, Lakes Como and Lugano showed widespread degradation of submerged meadows. In Lake Como, in particular, the area covered by vegetation has decreased in recent years, leaving large sections of the lakebed barren. In Lugano, the situation is more varied, but critical areas where biodiversity is under threat are still recorded. ### Challenges of the project The success of the transplant will depend on several factors: water temperature, sediment quality, and the plants' ability to adapt to the new environment. Castelnuovo warns that «submerged meadows are delicate ecosystems. If the transplant fails, the risk is that the lakebed’s balance could be further compromised». ⚠️ Possible scenarios If the project succeeds, we could see a revival of submerged meadows in both la...

Punti chiave

How to track the progress of the Echo project The results of the Interreg Echo project will be continuously monitored by Proteus and the other partners, including Swiss and Italian research institutions. Transplant operations will begin in May 2026 and continue until September or October, depending on weather conditions and water temperature. The data collected will then be analyzed to assess the effectiveness of the techniques used and their impact on biodiversity and CO2 storage. ### What cross-border workers and Ticino residents can do For cross-border workers who cross the border daily, this project offers an opportunity to learn more about the environmental protection initiatives underway on Lake Lugano. Updates can be followed on the Proteus association’s website or on the official Echo project channels. Additionally, Ticino residents can take part in locally organized environmental awareness events to delve deeper into topics related to lake conservation. ### Key procedures and deadlines to keep in mind - Plant transplantation: from May to September/October 2026, depending on water temperature. - Monitoring of experimental sites: data will be collected and analyzed throughout 2026 and 2027. - Publication of results: preliminary findings are expected by the end of 2026. ### Useful resources for further reading For those interested in learning more about lake conservation and environmental topics in Ticino, the Frontaliere Ticino website features a dedicated section on environmental initiatives and job opportunities in the sector. The official Echo project platform can also be consulted for real-time updates. 💡 Practical tip: If you’re interested in participating in environmental volunteering initiatives, contact local associations such as Proteus or the Ceres...

Punti chiave

[{"q":"Which aquatic plant species are used in the Echo project?","a":"The species selected are Vallisneria spiralis, Myriophyllum spicatum, Potamogeton perfoliatus and Potamogeton lucens. These plants were chosen for their ability to thrive on lakebeds and help restore submerged meadows."},{"q":"How long will the Interreg Echo project last?","a":"The Echo project is set to run for three years, from 2025 to 2027. Plant transplanting is scheduled between May and September/October 2026, while monitoring and data analysis will continue until the project’s conclusion."},{"q":"What is the budget for the Echo project?","a":"The Echo project is funded with €320,000 and CHF 60,000 through the Interreg Italy-Switzerland cooperation programme. These funds cover research activities, plant transplantation and monitoring of the experimental sites."},{"q":"How can I take part in the Echo project’s monitoring activities?","a":"You can participate in monitoring activities by contacting Proteus directly, the project’s partner association, or by following updates on the official website. Proteus also organises public environmental outreach events."},{"q":"What impact is the Echo project expected to have on the water quality of Lake Lugano?","a":"The project aims to improve water quality by reducing eutrophication and limiting the spread of harmful algae. This could lead to fewer temporary closures of bathing establishments and an overall enhancement of the lake’s environmental conditions."}]

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