Chiaravalle Centrale, January 16, 2025 – The senior students of the “Enzo Ferrari” High School in Chiaravalle Centrale, specializing in scientific and agricultural studies, have earned significant European recognition through their participation in the ARACNE project, funded by the European Union’s Horizon Europe program.
During the 2023-2024 school year, the project focused on enhancing the historical and cultural heritage of mulberry cultivation and sericulture in Calabria through two key initiatives:
- Developing a virtual ArcGIS map of the Silk Roads in Calabria, which won second place at the European level.
- Surveying ancient mulberry trees, using the MorusApp platform, which earned first place.
Celebrating Success at the Regional Citadel
The award ceremony took place at the Regional Citadel, where Agriculture Councillor Gianluca Gallo welcomed the students and praised them for their dedication and impressive achievements. In his speech, Councillor Gallo highlighted the importance of perseverance and striving for excellence through study and innovation:
“You have achieved a great milestone, and this is just the beginning. The dedication you have shown serves as an example for everyone and a source of pride for Calabria.”
Collaboration Between School and Community
In addition to Councillor Gallo, key figures from the agricultural and cultural sectors attended the ceremony, including:
- Fabio Guarna, Principal of the “Enzo Ferrari” Institute;
- Giuseppe Corti, Director of CREA-AA;
- Silvia Cappellozza, Head of the Mulberry and Sericulture Center in Padua;
- Diana Mantegazza, Aracne Project Coordinator.
Numerous other guests, including institutional, cultural, and entrepreneurial representatives, emphasized how the project has strengthened the bond between the school and Calabria’s socioeconomic fabric.
Reviving Mulberry Cultivation and Sericulture
The ARACNE project aims to revive silk production in Calabria by rediscovering mulberry cultivation, an agricultural tradition deeply rooted in the region’s millennial history. With the support of CREA, students will have the opportunity to visit the Mulberry and Sericulture Center and the Esapolis Museum in Padua, furthering their knowledge and connecting with centers of excellence in the field.
A Platform for Future Opportunities
The success of the “Enzo Ferrari” students stands as a model for future generations, showcasing how combining tradition with innovation can unlock new professional opportunities. The mapping and surveying activities not only celebrate Calabria’s cultural heritage but also introduce students to cutting-edge tools and skills essential for the future of digital agriculture.
Through the ARACNE project, Calabria reaffirms its status as a region rich in potential, ready to rediscover its past and build a sustainable and innovative future.
Below, you can find a Facebook post, an Instagram post, a video from the event and a collection of press coverage dedicated to the news.