Campi Flegrei, a pact between research and institutions: "Safety comes from regeneration."

Naples – Securing the Phlegraean Fields also depends on bringing together researchers, universities, institutions, businesses, communities, and the third sector. This is the message that emerged from the annual international Construction Days open conference, organized by the CNR Institute for Construction Technologies in collaboration with the Government's Special Commissioner for the Remediation of Bagnoli-Coroglio.

The event took place at the Porta del Parco auditorium in Bagnoli, an area undergoing a major reclamation and urban regeneration process.

"Security cannot be just physical"

Massimo Clemente, director of the CNR-ITC, emphasized the need for a shared approach. "Securing the Phlegraean Fields is possible," he emphasized, while also highlighting the need for "a joint effort" between institutions, research centers, universities, communities, businesses, and the third sector.

For Clemente, security must be addressed not only on an infrastructural and physical level, but also on a social level. In this context, research can contribute by identifying new technologies and innovative approaches capable of accompanying the transformation of territories.

The choice of Bagnoli as the conference venue therefore takes on a special significance: one of the most important urban reclamation and regeneration processes in the country is underway right here.

Innovation and safety at the heart of remediation

Filippo de Rossi, Sub-Commissioner for Environmental Remediation of Bagnoli-Coroglio, also addressed the relationship between research and the area's transformation. He stated that research and innovation must be at the heart of future activities, especially regarding environmental impact and safety.

A particularly sensitive topic given the seismic nature of the Phlegraean Fields. The goal, de Rossi emphasized, is to provide the region with "the best minds and expertise."

Environment and living, two inseparable dimensions

The urban regeneration process was also addressed from the perspective of quality of life. Claudia Pecoraro, Regional Councilor for the Environment, Housing Policies, and Equal Opportunities, highlighted the close relationship between the environment and housing.

In the perspective outlined by the department, environmental and housing policies must proceed together, especially in urban regeneration processes. The quality of the territories, the safety, and the well-being of communities must be at the center.

University, skills at the service of the territory

Andrea Mazzucchi, rector of the University of Naples Federico II, focused on the role of education and scientific research, recalling the university's wealth of expertise in civil and construction engineering, and construction science and technology.

These skills, according to the rector, can be put to work in the local community, including through collaboration with the CNR's ITC.

Bagnoli, from reclamation to the return of the sea to its citizens

The area's future was also addressed by Edoardo Cosenza, city councilor for Infrastructure, Mobility, and Civil Protection, who emphasized the importance of engaging with different expertise and perspectives.

Bagnoli represents one of the largest land reclamation projects in Italy. Among the stated objectives is the reclamation of a significant portion of the waterfront, with the creation of spaces for public use, extending all the way to the area towards Nisida.

A project that aims to restore to its citizens an area that has remained largely inaccessible for decades.

Urban regeneration and health

The relationship between urban transformation and health was finally addressed by Antonio Felice Uricchio, university professor, jurist, and former rector of the University of Bari "Aldo Moro."

According to Uricchio, the themes of urban regeneration and the rethinking of city spaces must be linked to those of health, through a connection between the concepts of urban health and one health.

A perspective that broadens the meaning of regeneration: not just new infrastructure and environmental recovery, but also the creation of better conditions for the health and well-being of communities and future generations.