by InTrieste
The 56th annual Barcolana regatta, one of the world’s largest sailing events, has long been a celebration of sport, sea, and community. This year, however, an environmental theme is taking center stage as Italy’s Regional Environmental Protection Agency (ARPA) commemorates its 25th anniversary with a series of educational initiatives aimed at shaping future generations.
At the bustling Barcolana Village in Trieste’s Piazza Unità d’Italia, ARPA has set up a hub where visitors can engage with the agency’s specialists on key environmental issues—from air and sea quality to climate modeling. The aim, officials say, is to heighten public awareness of ecological challenges and inspire action.
“In this edition of Barcolana, we have reinforced our presence with activities designed to shape the citizens of tomorrow,” said Fabio Scoccimarro, Regional Councillor for Environmental Protection, during a press briefing on Monday. His comments come as ARPA rolls out a packed program of workshops and discussions, which include hands-on learning experiences for schoolchildren and daily weather briefings for the public and media.
The agency’s involvement in Barcolana reflects a broader trend: environmental concerns are increasingly occupying the spotlight at large-scale public events, as governments and institutions respond to rising global alarm over climate change. Scoccimarro noted that in recent years, the environment has moved to the top of political agendas across the world—a shift that is mirrored locally.
“Our region understands the importance of educating the next generation about sustainability,” Scoccimarro added, emphasizing ARPA’s long-standing role in promoting environmental awareness.
Hands-on Learning for a New Generation
A key feature of ARPA’s Barcolana programming is its interactive workshops, where school students can engage directly with experts in meteorology, air quality analysis, and environmental science. The workshops, which run throughout the week, offer children an opportunity to learn about the delicate balance of natural systems that surround them—a priority for ARPA as it seeks to build a more ecologically conscious future.
In addition, the agency is hosting daily “Punto Meteo” briefings at 12:30 p.m., offering real-time weather updates to both the public and the media. ARPA officials also highlighted a special event, scheduled for October 10, titled “Synergies Between ARPA and Europe: Understanding Our Seas,” which will explore the agency’s collaboration on European environmental projects.
“The Barcolana is a fantastic platform for us to engage the public in our work, and to showcase our efforts in European innovation,” Scoccimarro said, adding that these partnerships are crucial to addressing regional and global environmental challenges.
Building a Sustainable Future
As more than 2,000 boats prepare to compete in the iconic regatta, ARPA’s presence at Barcolana underscores a growing recognition of the relationship between sport, the sea, and the environment. What started as a local sailing race more than five decades ago has grown into a massive international event, drawing thousands of sailors and visitors to the northern Italian city each October.
But this year, alongside the excitement of the regatta, ARPA’s message is clear: understanding and protecting the environment is not just an abstract ideal, but a practical necessity for the future.
As ARPA celebrates 25 years of environmental advocacy, its expanded role at Barcolana is a sign of its future trajectory—one focused on bridging science, education, and public engagement to tackle the pressing environmental challenges of our time.
