Ecological Walk in the Roman Centuriation Landscape of Padua
On 8 May 2026, representatives of the University of Padua, Prof. Mauro Varotto and researcher Tanja Kremenić, joined a public ecological walk organised by the Consorzio di Bonifica Acque Risorgive (Land Reclamation Consortium) near Villa Romanin Jacur in Mirano, an Associated Partner of UNIPD. The initiative, focused on water ditches, hedgerows and agroecological interventions in the rural landscape of the Roman centuriation, gathered around thirty participants and local stakeholders.
Although not organised within the WatHer project, the event became an important opportunity for dissemination and dialogue with the local community. During the visit, Prof. Varotto presented the historical landscape of the Roman centuriation of Padua and introduced the ongoing activities of the Interreg Euro-MED WatHer project, highlighting the role that historical water systems can play in addressing contemporary environmental challenges.
The meeting also provided a valuable occasion to continue discussions with local actors and technical stakeholders regarding the possible identification of pilot areas for future restoration activities within the Padua case study. The Consorzio di Bonifica Acque Risorgive, which is expected to act as the external technical service for the WatHer pilot site, presented several ongoing actions aimed at ecological restoration and water retention in agricultural landscapes, this reflects the evolution of reclamation consortia whose role today goes beyond draining excess water, towards retaining and improving water resources.
Many of the practices presented during the walk strongly resonate with the objectives promoted by the WatHer project and the activities currently carried out by UNIPD within the Padua case study.
