The 2021 edition of ORTOgrafia closes with the participation of 260 children

The first edition of “ORTOgrafia” aimed at primary schools in Alba has concluded, part of the European cross-border cooperation project ALCOTRA “ Biodiversità Stellata/Biodiversité Étoilée ” which aims to increase knowledge of biodiversity for the territory and its people, also through awareness-raising actions aimed at new generations.

Thirteen first-grade classes from Alba's primary schools (Gianni Rodari Primary School, Michele Coppino Primary School, Quartiere Moretta Comprehensive School, and Mussotto and Sinistra Tanaro Comprehensive School), for a total of over 260 children, were involved in an educational program that began in 2021 with the aim of introducing young children to vegetable growing and fostering greater awareness of the origins of ingredients.

Alba Councilor for Tourism, Emanuele Bolla, explains : "ORTOgrafia is a truly valuable project that we hold dear, the fruit of the collaborative efforts of many professionals, to whom we extend our sincere thanks. The project actively introduced children to the topic of the natural cycle of the products they consume in their daily meals, through educational activities focused on hands-on experience. For example, the choice to hold an activity at the municipal canteen was driven by the desire to help them understand that behind what they are accustomed to finding on their plates lies the work and dedication of numerous professionals. Thanks also to our collaboration with Councilor Elisa Boschiazzo, we are preparing to reintroduce "ORTOgrafia" in 2023, strengthened by the recognition from the Secretariat of UNESCO Creative Cities, which has included it among the most significant global innovations in the field of resilience."

Thanks to the collaboration with Renato Priolo's Sinergia Outdoor association , with the garden of chef Enrico Crippa , the Ceretto family , chef Luciano Tona and all the staff of the Alba municipal canteen , it was possible to develop three types of complementary activities: an initial experience discovering the garden of Enrico Crippa, three-Michelin-star chef of the Piazza Duomo restaurant, a second moment of play and discovery of the value of land and water at the "Le Colline di Giuca" educational park in Baldissero d'Alba, and the final act based on the experience of cooking with vegetables.

The initiative was financed by the Interreg VA France-Italy ALCOTRA 2014-2020 as part of the partnership activities involving the Municipality of Alba as lead partner , the GAL Langhe Roero Leader, the Municipality of Cogne , the Ville de La Motte-Servolex and the Commune du Bourget-du-Lac.