Mosquito project: meetings with the population

The project aimed at addressing the mosquito issue, carried out by the Protected Areas of the Cozie Alps and the municipalities of Avigliana, Sant’Antonino di Susa, Trana, and Villardora, is nearing its conclusion. This initiative seeks to raise awareness among the population about the problems related to the presence of culicids in the area of the Avigliana Lakes Natural Park and its surroundings. Following the meetings during the Night of the Toads and activities with schools, two final public presentations are scheduled for the Sant’Antonino di Susa market on Saturday, May 3, and the Trana Fair on Sunday, May 25. All activities are managed by the official guides of the Cozie Alps Parks, Chiara Bellando and Elena Bianco Chinto.

“This year – says Bianco Chinto – the Night of the Toads took place over two evenings, Friday, February 28, and Friday, March 7, to accommodate the growing number of participants. On both occasions, we met with attendees at the headquarters of the Avigliana Lakes Natural Park, where we explained the interaction between the life cycle of mosquitoes and that of amphibians, as well as the importance of protecting the latter, which are predators of culicids. The discussion also covered the integrated control strategies that the Park Authority and the municipalities implement for containment, including the good habits that citizens can adopt to reduce inconveniences. We always emphasize that mosquitoes cannot be eliminated, but their spread can be limited.”

Subsequently, activities began in schools to spread the culture of prevention even among younger children.

“This year – continues Bellando – four classes from the primary schools of Avigliana and Villardora participated. With each class, we held an in-class meeting and an outdoor excursion in the area of Lake Grande in Avigliana. In the classroom, we presented the most significant aspects of mosquito biology and then proceeded to construct an individual using recycled materials. Even during the outdoor activity, we alternated a playful part with a scientific one. First, we ventured into the swamp to collect a sample of stagnant water, which was later analyzed under a microscope to identify culicids in the larva and pupa stages with various molt phases. Finally, the children competed in a team game aimed at building a model mosquito. This path is titled ZZZ as in Mosquito and is part of the educational proposals that the Cozie Alps Parks offer with the official guides.”

As the summer season approaches, the meetings at the Sant’Antonino market and the Trana Fair hold even more significance when Bellando and Bianco Chinto, at the renewed gazebo of the Protected Areas of the Cozie Alps, will provide advice and suggestions to adopt at home and in daily life to contain the mosquito problem.