Hunters and Environment: Lecce, ecological day in Nardò that took place in Contrada Molinari organized by the Neretum Hunting Club and the Lecce ATC.
On Sunday 27 April 2014 the “Neretum Hunting Club” organized, with the patronage of the Lecce Hunting Territorial Area, an ecological day in Contrada Molinari in the territory of Nardò in the Province of Lecce. Several members and their families participated in the invitation of the Board of Directors of the Club who were accommodated aboard three buggies pulled by beautiful horses that immediately created a fascinating festive atmosphere that greatly contributed to the success of the initiative. The caravan made up of cars, trucks, buggies and bicycles crossed the city and then headed to the predetermined place. With a strong civic sense, the local Bianco company has provided men and means to collaborate in the recovery of the various materials scattered throughout the territory. Among the participants, the presence of Avv. Marcello Risi, Mayor of the city of Nardò, who greatly appreciated the initiative of the ecological day organized in this way and declared himself ready to support the "Club" on proposals related to the environment and the territory. Prof. Antonio De Bartolomeo Regional President of Arci Caccia was present.
The chosen site is one of the most beautiful from a naturalistic point of view existing in the Neretine territory because it consists of a pine forest and the Mediterranean scrub which at the moment has been largely destroyed due to the continuous fires caused by the usual irresponsible people. So armed with gloves and bags but above all by a lot of good will, an effective cleaning of the territory was achieved in about 5 hours of intense work from 8.30 to 13,30.
Thanks to the commitment of the members of the “Circolo della Caccia”, 2 waste trucks were filled with televisions, computers, sanitary materials, glass, cans and more. It was not a simple picnic but a busy day. It was also necessary to use special means for the disposal of huge tractor tires, considered as special waste. The purpose of the "Ecological Day" was to meet also as observers in an area of collective interest to discuss about a different and good use of those few natural areas that have remained in our beloved Salento. Sunday was an opportunity to reflect and to commit ever more to respect for the Ecology of the Landscape, particularly linked to the environment built by man.
Once again, the hunters have effectively demonstrated their interest in preserving and redeveloping the habitats with which they have a strong bond and an innate awareness of the value of the environmental heritage. For some time now, the “Neretum Hunting Club” has been carrying out, through meetings and conferences, a campaign to empower hunters who must transform themselves from simple “Users” to “Managers” of the environment and wildlife in all its aspects. In our own small way we are striving to create a more experienced and responsible hunter figure able to speak with those who do not yet know our world well or with those who are still interested in this sector.
Despite ourselves, we must note the absence on this special day of the representatives of the institutions responsible for managing the environment and hunting. We know that there is a lot of work to be done in this regard and that, in our opinion, the time has come to carry out the appropriate changes to have a managerial class prepared and sensitive to these issues from which we can no longer escape.
(May 22, 2014)
Arci National Hunting