The Vice-president of the Veneto region, Elisa De Berti, is plotting a route to integrated transport, tourism and sustainability on Lake Garda
What relationship do you see between regional mobility and local identity experience?
Garda mobility reflects an identity which cuts across regional borders. Lake Garda brings together the Veneto, Lombardy and Trentino regions in an area in which culture and landscapes meld into a shared vision. The emblem of this synergy is Italy’s first inter-regional law relating to the lake. It is Comunità del Garda, recognised in 1992 and tasked with safeguarding and promoting the area, which is leading this shared effort.
How is the Region integrating transport, tourism and sustainability to promote the lakes?
The Veneto sustainable mobility system combines economic development, social inclusion and environmental safeguards. It supports regional growth with rapid and efficient links, improves accessibility for the more vulnerable segments and contributes to reducing emissions and protecting the territory. This vision has taken concrete shape in the Regional Transport Plan. In the Garda context, the Region has launched strategic action such as AV/AC Padova-Brescia, the Garda cycle track, contributions to town councils for lake transport development, lake transport and bathing safety co-ordination, integrated logistics and goods transport (Stati Generali Nord-Est), a new A4 highway exit at Castelnuovo, train-bus integration with Garda-Link, local transport reform and an extension of the Bike-Friendly project.
Is there a lake-related place, journey or experience which has special meaning for you?
I love cycling with my family along the cycle tracks with their spectacular views and olive groves. It’s a time to slow down and spend time together. I have also met administrators who love the lake in my official role. For me Garda is nature, relationships and community. It’s impossible not to love it.
