Protecting the Italian Environment

Maurizio Gubbiotti, Legambiente

This workshop will explain how the idea of environmentalism is intimately and inseparably linked to an aspiration for a different, better world and to values such as democracy, freedom, solidarity, justice and social cohesion. Legambiente, means League for the Environment and is the most widespread environmental organisation in Italy, with 20 regional branches, more than a thousand local groups in the whole country and more than 110 000 members. Recognised as an “association that is concerned with the environment” by the Ministry of the Environment; it represents the National Committee for Italy, it is one of the leading members of the Federation of European Environmental Organisations, and of the World Conservation Union. With its headquarters in Rome it has a staff made up of fifty professionals and experts in different fields of activity. Legambiente promotes many campaigns amongst which is fighting unequal access to resources, promoting ethical trade and, with its campaign ‘Clima e povertà’ it is focusing on the link between climate change and the increase in poverty. Maurizio Gubbiotti is Coordinator of Legambiente 's National Office and Head of Legambiente's International Department.