by InTrieste
Interviews: FVG governor, Massimiliano Fedriga; FVG councilor for environment, Fabio Scoccimarro
Regional leaders gathered Saturday evening at Teatro Verdi to recognize organizations championing environmentally focused innovation across Friuli Venezia Giulia, underscoring the region’s ambitions to position itself at the forefront of sustainable development in Italy.
The FVGreen Award, established by the regional government to highlight exemplary environmental, economic, and social practices, celebrated projects ranging from clean-energy initiatives to community-based environmental education. Winners included local businesses, public institutions, research bodies, schools, and non-profit organizations.
“Our aim is to reward the excellence of our territory,” Governor Massimiliano Fedriga said during the ceremony. He emphasized that environmental protection, economic vitality, and employment must be viewed as interconnected drivers of long-term growth. “Sustainability should provide a concrete development model, free from ideology,” he added, noting that the region seeks to play a leading role in Italy’s energy transition.
Fabio Scoccimarro, regional councillor for Environment, Energy and Sustainable Development, echoed those remarks, highlighting the administration’s commitment to advancing regional climate policies. He reaffirmed the goal of meeting the European Green Deal targets by 2045, ahead of the EU’s 2050 deadline, and stressed the importance of community-wide engagement. “We are at the side of our local actors to ensure these policies are understood and implemented,” he said, pointing to environmental education initiatives aimed at young people as key to fostering long-lasting change.
The award jury, chaired by former Environment Minister Edo Ronchi, evaluated submissions based on innovation, environmental benefit, social and economic impact, and replicability. Organizers described the program as a platform not only to celebrate achievements within Friuli Venezia Giulia, but also to encourage the spread of successful models beyond regional borders.
The evening featured musical performances by the Ferruccio Busoni Orchestra and Trieste-born violinist Pierpaolo Foti, and was hosted by journalists Tommaso Cerno and Andro Merkù.
