Born on February 9, 1960 in Milan, where he lives, the senator Franco Mirabelli since 25 March he has held the position of Vice President of Pd group to the Senate and is a member of the 13th Permanent Commission (Territory, environment, environmental assets). We had the opportunity to ask him some questions regarding the line and positions of the Democratic Party on the theme of the environment and hunting.
In its many souls, the left has in the past maintained a position of balance between favorable and opposed to hunting. In recent times, the perception of hunters is that this balance has been lost in favor of the environmentalist and animal rights part. What is the reality of the facts?
“The Democratic Party is a reformist party and as such in giving evaluations and making choices it is independent of premises that pertain to ethics and individual sensitivity which also deserve respect. In this context we have always moved, in the Regions and in Parliament, having as reference the indications of science on the faunal protection front and respecting the farmers' reasons. Often the positions of the Democratic Party have turned out to be decisive for overcoming ideological conflicts that are badly reconciled with general interests. It is enough to leaf through the parliamentary documents to be aware of what has been said and done and Federcaccia knows it well. "
What is the meaning of hunting for the Democratic Party in 2021?
“In the modern era for hunting, while maintaining its cultural roots, there is a need to redesign one's profile in harmony with an ecological sensitivity that fortunately characterizes the life of our communities. On the other hand, the current legislation already assigns to hunting, through the good governance of the Alpine Areas and Districts, a primary role in the management of wildlife and habitat restoration. And it is no coincidence that representatives of hunters, farmers, environmentalists and local authorities find themselves working side by side in the ATC management committees. The cardinal principle of law 157 which protects fauna as an unavailable heritage of the state and thus safeguards, together with 842 of the civil code, the advertising system of our country is an entirely Italian prerogative. If anything, it is a question of understanding, through a report to be discussed in Parliament, whether the implementation of the law has produced results or revealed limits. It's time to have this discussion. "
The defense and maintenance of biodiversity are essential principles, recognized as such also by hunters, who do a lot in this sense. Unlike other European states in Italy this role does not seem to be recognized by politics. In your opinion, what are the reasons and what is the position of your party?
“Italy is at the top of Europe in terms of biodiversity. It is not only a civic duty to defend it but also an economic one as it evokes beauty, landscape, good management. And where there is all this, the excellence of our productions famous all over the world with the 'Made in Italy' brand are highlighted. In short, biodiversity is also an economic value. This is why I think the hunting world should have more courage on this front. Too often, however, the public debate focuses in an instrumental key on one more day of hunting or one less species. Hunters can be protagonists of environmental conservation if they make the tools available to them work well, starting with the Atc and the Ca. This is not always the case. Net of the responsibilities that also belong to politics and institutions.
The Italian agri-food excellences are famous all over the world, a source of pride as well as an important percentage value of the economy. What are the responses to requests for protection from the agricultural world?
“The defense and enhancement of agricultural productions are a priority. For some time now, agricultural entrepreneurs have chosen the path of quality and multifunctionality. They are garrison on the territory and with their settlements guarantee a fair balance between city and countryside. In this direction, the policy has been able to accompany the ongoing effort also with support and incentive measures. Obviously, more can be done and as a Democratic Party we will not back down. If anything, it is necessary to act immediately on problems that have arisen in the meantime such as the excess presence of some wild species, especially wild boars, which heavily interfere with agricultural economic activity. On this topic, the comparison is still too conditioned by biased positioning. "
Ecological transition. A topic of great importance and which will decide the quality of life of citizens in the immediate future. What are the expectations and programs of the Democratic Party on this issue? What place does the management of fauna, environment and territory have in a sustainable vision of our future?
The issue of ecological transition is both a great challenge and a great opportunity. It is a question of changing the paradigm of the development model by focusing on sustainability, quality and social justice. The change will take place through stages defined at European level which can be said to have been achieved when the era of fossil fuels is definitively exited and harmful emissions into the atmosphere will be eliminated because the energy supply system will be largely renewable. The territory and biodiversity are obviously part of this project. And where there is territory and biodiversity there can be the role of hunters. It depends on them. However, I don't think you will want to miss this extraordinary opportunity. " (Source: Hunting Federation)