The Silvia Zenari Civic Museum of Natural History has been invited to participate in an initiative to sign an Educational Pact to be established jointly with all the organizations and associations in Friuli Venezia Giulia that are involved in environmental education. The announcement was made by Mayor Alessandro Basso and the councilors for the environment, Mattia Tirelli, and for culture, Alberto Parigi.
“The agreement,” they explain, “is intended to be an expression of a collaborative effort leading to the establishment of a network aimed at fostering a culture of environmental respect. Given the invitation extended by the Regional Agency for Environmental Protection (ARPA) to the Silvia Zenari Natural History Museum, we decided to join the initiative. The Museum has been involved in the initiative from the very beginning because, as a scientific and educational cultural institution serving the community, it carries out extensive outreach activities in the field of environmental communication, targeting both schools and the general public through educational programs and workshops, conferences, public outreach events, temporary exhibitions, and publishing activities.”
“This Administration,” Basso, Parigi, and Tirelli continue, “believes that museums should play a fundamental role in raising public awareness of these issues, which is yet another reason to support the initiative. Moreover, the organization and implementation of cultural and educational activities are part of the museum’s regular institutional activities.”
Specifically, the agreement calls for the promotion of active and informed citizenship on environmental issues, starting with the youngest members of society; the development of a shared educational vision based on common values, experiences, and methods; support for inclusive and interdisciplinary educational programs aimed at schools, teachers, citizens, associations, and vulnerable groups; the enhancement of environmental heritage and local culture through concrete, on-the-ground experiences that directly involve the local population; and collaboration among organizations in the synergistic organization and promotion of educational events.
“The Silvia Zenari Civic Museum of Natural History’s participation in the Pact represents a strategic opportunity for the municipal administration for several reasons: from becoming part of an authoritative, well-structured, and already operational regional network—thereby moving beyond the fragmentation of isolated initiatives—to strengthening local educational programs by accessing shared expertise, experience, and resources; from increasing the visibility and impact of the City’s environmental actions through joint events, dedicated information spaces, and collaboration with national media; to promoting the local area and the City’s environmental heritage through educational and outreach initiatives aimed at all citizens, including in preparation for projects related to the 2027 Capital of Culture; “to ultimately promote a culture of sustainability and respect for the environment by investing in a lasting cultural transformation,” the administrators conclude.