In the suggestive land of the unique Sienese clay pits, among the rolling hills crowned by castles, farms and cypressus, the enchanted valley named after the river Orcia is now an area protected against technological unrestrained development.

Declared a natural, artistic and cultural sanctuary, it is watched over by 5 municipalities engaged in balancing human progress with the preservation of the ecosystem. This was precisely the subject of the recent seminar organized in the medieval Village of San Quirico d'Orcia which sought to find ways just to harmonize economy with ethics and ecology. It took place during the local Olive Oil Festival and was hosted in the imposing Chigi Palace, in the presence of distinguished guests. Sponsored by Monte dei Paschi di Siena, the event has seen the participation of prominent speakers presented by Leonardo Simonelli, president of the Chambers of Commerce in London and promoter of this seminar in his hometown.

After "bruschetta" with other local specialities and before a lavish dinner to celebrate the occasion as well as the Tuscan gastronomy, a very responsive audience attended the speeches of Giuliano Simonetti, representing the mayors of the municipalities involved in the project, Claudio Galletti, councillor for the Agricultural Department of the Province of Siena, Enzo Tiezzi, professor at the University of Siena,Luca Fabbri, President of Slow Food Tuscany, Piero Baronti, president of Legambiente Tuscany, Piero Bassetti, president Globus and Locus, Simone Marrucci, Director of the Tourist Bureau, Roberto Rappuoli, expert of the Laboratori Ecologici Ernesto Simonelli, Alberto Asor Rosa, writer and founder of the Natural Park, to conclude with the enlightened comments of S.E.R. Mons Sergio Sebastiani, Minister of the Economy for the Vatican.

The challenge is combining innovation and technology with human life and natural habitat, encouraging the progress and preserving of the environment and above all avoiding the implementation of shortsighted policies which could draw short term benefits at the expenses of and in detriment to the area, its cultural traditions and its attractive qualities. " A proper guidance to improve economy according to ethical principles to benefit society"

Simonelli underlines" It is something which was already expressed in the fresco representing the Wise Government in the Public Palace in Siena, where the administrators are sided by the Virtues, symbolising the idea that power must be kept under control of wisdom for real progress to be achieved". This implies that the ones in charge of public assignments should cooperate in good faith and total agreement, something which might prove to be a little difficult where politics are involved. Nevertheless the seminar has pointed out how Val d'Orcia can look with confidence to the future: it has shown good will and good orientation for valuable purposes and constructive proposals, reinforced by the festive atmosphere in town.


Author: Margherita Calderoni