The University of Insubria takes part in “Fiumi di Primavera 2026” in Mantua: outreach, education and concrete commitment to environmental sustainability.

Publishing date:

16 April 2026

The University of Insubria took part in the 2026 edition of “Fiumi di Primavera”, an initiative promoted on Friday 20 March in Mantua by Regione Lombardia and Globe Italia, with an in-person event and two live streams, one national and one international, contributing to outreach and awareness-raising activities on environmental sustainability.

At the heart of the University’s participation was the “EDU4PlastiCircular” project, an initiative dedicated to promoting environmental sustainability and raising awareness of the proper use and management of plastic. The project is part of the Erasmus+ programme, with particular reference to the KA220-HED action, and aims to strengthen cooperation between academic institutions, research bodies and local stakeholders in order to address the challenges linked to the circular economy.

The University’s presence with the project “EDU4PlastiCircular – Education for Plastic in a Circular and Climate Neutral Economy – Preventing Waste Ending Up into the Environment” took place in a context of environmental education and training on the topic of plastics, through the development of teaching content and training pathways aimed at schools and professionals, also available through a dedicated digital platform: https://microplastics.today/DIGITAL-LIBRARY/

During the event, alongside the presentation of the project and the screening of the video in English with Italian subtitles, available on YouTube from minute 5:34:44 to minute 5:37:35 at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gk6k85NxdP8, an active environmental education campaign on the prevention of plastic waste, its recycling and reuse was carried out. This activity contributed to the development of green and digital skills in line with European priorities through educational workshops on the sustainable management of plastic, with examples relating to textiles, coffee capsules, light packaging and similar items; quizzes for teachers and professionals, including scientists, officials and technicians, as well as students and citizens, with the aim of strengthening knowledge and encouraging greater awareness; sensory games and interactive activities to involve participants of all ages and with different levels of education; and presentations aimed at understanding the impact of plastics on the environment and in everyday life.

Particular attention was also devoted to the analysis of the environmental impacts of plastic, both as a product and as waste, with an approach based on the life cycle and on the identification of innovative solutions capable of reducing pollution and fostering sustainable models. Further study material on this aspect is also available in the project’s digital library: https://microplastics.today/DIGITAL-LIBRARY/

The initiative took place with the patronage of Parco del Mincio and in collaboration with the Ecological Guards of Parco del Mincio, reflecting a synergistic approach between academic institutions and local organisations committed to environmental protection.

Representing the University of Insubria were Professor Elena Cristina Rada of the Department of Theoretical and Applied Sciences, together with PhD student Lucrezia Maggi and Dr Luca Giacomini. Their participation is documented in the official video of the event, available on YouTube from minute 2:31:08 to minute 2:35:50, at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B06FhrFfmT0&t=19s

The initiative confirms the University’s commitment, through all its degree programmes, to the transfer of scientific knowledge and the promotion of a culture of sustainability.

The event thus connected academia, institutions and civil society, encouraging the exchange of knowledge and good practices for the protection of the environment and natural resources. “Fiumi di Primavera” also received the patronage of the Ministry of the Environment and Energy Security, the Municipality of Mantua, the Municipality of San Giorgio Bigarello and Regione Lombardia.

For further information on the “EDU4PlastiCircular” project and the programme of activities, please consult the initiative’s official channels: