The Chiabrera Theatre in Savona provided the backdrop to the official presentation of the city’s bid, “New Routes for Culture” for the prestigious title of Italian Capital of Culture in 2027.
The project brings together the valued participation of 41 local municipalities, alongside major public authorities and celebrities of the Savona metropolitan area. Main partners include the Western Ligurian Sea Port Authority, the University of Genoa, the Riviera Chamber of Commerce, the Province of Savona Confederation of Italian Industry, the De Mari Foundation and Cima Foundation. The bid dovetails perfectly with the far-reaching redevelopment programme currently underway across the city which plans to revitalise and redesign the future of Savona.
During the ceremony, the Government Commissioner of the Port Authority, Admiral Massimo Seno, advocated the valuable contribution of the sea to cultural heritage, highlighting the environmental and economic role of the nation within the Mediterranean Sea. Although it represents less than 1% of the global ocean surface area, the Mediterranean is a treasure trove of biodiversity with 7% of global marine species and over 20% of maritime trade, and consequently is vested with the impelling need to strike a balance between the diverse uses of its waters and the protection of the ecosystem. Admiral Seno confirmed that the Port Authority not only pledges its full support to the City of Savona’s bid, but is also actively contributing to improving the local environment across a range of plans underway, namely, the installation of onshore power supply facilities at the Palacrociere Cruise Terminal located in the heart of the city, and the Green Ports project aimed at the production and distribution of sustainable energy, from solar and wind power, in the port to reduce the environmental impact of operations on the urban fabric. Increased investment in innovation and digitalisation across the supply chain industry, promoted by the Port Authority, is s also a key driver towards improving the quality of life, whilst simultaneously generating new forms of skilled employment.
In addition, close cooperation with the Municipality of Savona forges ahead with regard to the extensive redevelopment of the prime site waterfront and Priamar Fortress, landmarks of the cultural and port heritage of the city.
