Submerged forests to save Lake Como and Lake Lugano
A cross-border project uses aquatic plants to restore lake ecosystems and combat climate change
Contesto
In brief - Project Echo to restore submerged meadows in Lake Como and Lake Lugano - 320,000 euros and 60,000 francs for the triennium 2025-2027 - Partners: Proteus, Enerion Renewables, Minoprio Analisi, SUPSI ## Key facts - What: Restoration of submerged meadows and assessment of CO2 storage capacity - When: Triennium 2025-2027 - Where: Lake Como and Lake Lugano - Who: Proteus Association, Enerion Renewables, Minoprio Analisi, SUPSI - Amount: 320,000 euros and 60,000 francs In a warehouse in Minoprio, in the province of Como, a scientific experiment is underway that could revolutionize the protection of lake ecosystems. The Interreg Echo project, funded by the Interreg Italy-Switzerland cross-border cooperation program, aims to combat the effects of global warming in Alpine lakes. Thousands of aquatic plants, including Vallisneria spiralis, Myriophyllum spicatum, Potamogeton perfoliatus, and Potamogeton lucens, are growing in 18 transparent tanks, ready to be transplanted into Lake Como and Lake Lugano. ### Project objectives The Echo project has two main objectives: the restoration of submerged meadows and the assessment of carbon dioxide (CO2) storage capacity in lake sediments. The plants, collected from the two basins, have been replicated in the Minoprio tanks since October 2025 and are growing at a rate of one centimeter per day. Between May and October 2026, transplantation operations will begin in two experimental sites of 500 square meters each, located between three and five meters deep. ### The critical situation of the lakes From the monitoring conducted in recent years, a critical situation has emerged in both Lake Como and Lake Lugano. In the Lario, there is a progressive depletion of vegetation, with vast areas of the bottom now bare. In the Ceresio,...
Dettagli operativi
Implications for cross-border workers The Echo project could have a significant impact on cross-border workers living and working in the Lake Lugano region. Protecting lacustrine ecosystems not only improves water quality but also contributes to biodiversity and climate stability, crucial factors for the quality of life and well-being of the community. ### Direct benefits Cross-border workers could directly benefit from improved water quality and greater stability of lacustrine ecosystems. This could translate into greater tourist attractiveness and an increase in economic opportunities for local communities, including cross-border workers employed in the tourism and catering sectors. ### Environmental impact Stabilizing sediment and reducing CO2 emissions contribute to the fight against climate change. This is particularly relevant for cross-border workers living in areas sensitive to climate change and who may be affected by extreme weather events. Protecting lacustrine ecosystems can also improve the resilience of local communities in the face of climate change. ### Community involvement The Echo project involves local partners, including SUPSI, which could offer training and collaboration opportunities for cross-border workers. This could include training programs on environmental restoration techniques, biodiversity management, and sustainability, which could be useful for cross-border workers in related sectors. ### Future scenarios If the project is successful, it could be extended to other lakes and sensitive areas, offering further opportunities for cross-border workers to be involved in environmental restoration and sustainability projects. This could also lead to greater cross-border collaboration and strengthened relations between local communities and c...
Punti chiave
Concrete actions for cross-border workers Cross-border workers who wish to be involved in the Echo project or who want to learn more can follow some concrete steps. First, they can visit the Interreg Echo project website to obtain updated information on progress and participation opportunities. Additionally, cross-border workers can contact local project partners, such as SUPSI, for information on training programs and collaboration opportunities. ### Active participation Cross-border workers can actively participate in the Echo project through volunteering, attending events, and awareness activities. This can include participating in lake shore clean-up days, water quality monitoring activities, and educational programs for local schools and communities. ### Training and professional development Cross-border workers can also benefit from the training opportunities offered by the project partners. This can include courses on environmental restoration techniques, biodiversity management, and sustainability, which can be useful for professional development and enhancing their curriculum vitae. ### Involvement of local communities Cross-border workers can play an active role in involving local communities in the Echo project. This can include participating in public meetings, disseminating information about the project's activities, and promoting environmental awareness initiatives. Furthermore, cross-border workers can collaborate with local authorities to promote sustainability and environmental protection policies. ### Use of site tools For more information and to calculate the potential impact of the Echo project on water quality and biodiversity, cross-border workers can use the environmental impact calculator available on the project's website. This tool can help...
Punti chiave
[{"q":"Which plants are used in the Echo project?","a":"The project uses aquatic plants such as Vallisneria spiralis, Myriophyllum spicatum, Potamogeton perfoliatus, and Potamogeton lucens, which have been replicated in the Minoprio tanks starting from October 2025."},{"q":"What are the main objectives of the Echo project?","a":"The main objectives of the Echo project are the restoration of submerged prairies and the evaluation of the capacity to store carbon dioxide (CO2) in lake sediments."},{"q":"What are the benefits for cross-border workers living in the Lake Lugano region?","a":"Cross-border workers can benefit from improved water quality, greater stability of lake ecosystems, and opportunities for training and collaboration offered by the project's partners."}]
Frequently Asked Questions
- Which plants are used in the Echo project?
- The project uses aquatic plants such as Vallisneria spiralis, Myriophyllum spicatum, Potamogeton perfoliatus, and Potamogeton lucens, which have been replicated in the Minoprio tanks starting from October 2025.
- What are the main objectives of the Echo project?
- The main objectives of the Echo project are the restoration of submerged prairies and the evaluation of the capacity to store carbon dioxide (CO2) in lake sediments.
- What are the benefits for cross-border workers living in the Lake Lugano region?
- Cross-border workers can benefit from improved water quality, greater stability of lake ecosystems, and opportunities for training and collaboration offered by the project's partners.