(ANSA) – PORTO ALEGRE, 18 LUG – The mission of the Italian Civil Defense delegation to the Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul, which took place from July 15 to 17, ended successfully. The initiative marked an important step forward in bilateral cooperation between Italy and Brazil in the prevention and management of climate emergencies.
The mission began in Porto Alegre with a visit to the local warning and monitoring system, considered a model in responding to environmental emergencies. The Italian delegation, accompanied by the Consul General of Italy, Valerio Caruso, was welcomed by Governor Eduardo Leite, who expressed deep gratitude for the solidarity shown by Italy, calling the initiative “a concrete gesture of international cooperation in the fight against climate disasters.” Next, the delegation traveled to Muçum, a city symbolic of Italian immigration and among the hardest hit by the 2024 flood. Here it met with Mayor Mateus Giovanoni, who explained the strategies put in place by the community to tackle reconstruction and strengthen the resilience of the area.
The final leg of the mission took place on July 17 in Bento Gonçalves, where the International Seminar on Civil Defense was held. The event was attended by more than 400 people, including experts, authorities and representatives of local communities. During the seminar, Italian best practices in hydrogeological risk prevention, monitoring systems and early warning were presented.
“We have experienced at first hand the drama that has struck this state and it seemed natural to provide the best Italian expertise to contribute, in a concrete way, to the protection of human life and the prevention of future disasters,” said Consul General Valerio Caruso.
The exchange of experiences will not end with this mission: new joint initiatives are already being studied, focusing on emergency planning and strengthening an active and widespread volunteer system.
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Last modified: July 19, 2025