Italy boosts river safety with Fersina clean‑up and Reno embankment reinforcement

In Trentino, the banks of the Fersina River were cleared of vegetation through a coordinated effort involving the service Bacini Montani, the municipality of Trento, Muse, Enpa, Lipu and the local anglers’ association. The work, carried out mainly between late August and March, aimed to improve hydraulic safety while minimizing disturbance to wildlife such as amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals. Species observed nesting along the river include the water thrush, kingfisher, water rail and occasional greater spotted eagle and black‑necked stork.

In Emilia‑Romagna, the right‑hand embankment of the Reno River near Mandriole was reinforced after a landslide threatened its integrity. The €1.926 million project was funded by the regional government, local authorities, reclamation consortia and specialist contractors, and was completed by Ecocave S.r.l. Regional president Michele De Pascale highlighted the intervention as a key step in preventing hydraulic risks and restoring full functionality to the strategic flood‑defence infrastructure.