| << abstract >> The eighth international “Fascination of Plants Day” took placed in the main Campus of the University of Salerno on May 20th. The international day was launched by plant scientists across the world under the umbrella of the European Plant Science Organisation (EPSO). More than 100 researchers from 4 UNISA Dept. and from UNESCO Chair “Plants for health in the Mediterranean Traditions” transformed scientific projects into open laboratories for learning and discovery. UNISA welcomed communities of primary and secondary schools, presenting their multidisciplinary scientific activities to young students. This year’s edition had a strong emphasis on plants in agriculture and in the health systems, plant-based food systems, and environmental health at the heart of the event which relevance is in the context of urban and social development. Rita Aquino, Chair Holder, Teresa Mencherini and Tiziana Esposito, Team Leaders of Salerno UNESCO Chair “Plants for Health in the Medirerranean Traditions” guided young people in a lab “TURNING WASTE INTO RESOURCE” on the – actual use of a plant of the Mediterranean area, Crocus sativus and wastes, and studies on its health activity. Emanuela Appetiti and Alain Touwaide presented Threads of gold “– Botany – Mitology – Philogenetic and Archeologic aspects, and Pharmacotherapeutic acitivities of saffron. The topics support the UNESCO 2030 Goals: 3 Healthy Lives and Well-Being, 13 Combat climate change and its impacts and 15 Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems and biodiversity. |
The event also included a visit from the Rector of the University of Salerno, Prof. Virgilio D’Antonio, who offered institutional greetings, highlighting the University’s strong commitment to third mission activities and scientific dissemination.
