REBELLIOUS LANDSCAPE - THE PEOPLE ASSEMBLY OF TARANTO
by Joyee Lee
The People Assembly of Taranto is a transformative initiative aimed at addressing the multifaceted challenges faced by the city of Taranto in southern Italy. Taranto has been plagued by severe pollution due to the presence of a large steel plant, leading to detrimental effects on the health and well-being of its residents. The Assembly's primary objective is to restore the degraded environment, improve the quality of life for Taranto's inhabitants, and revitalize the local neighbourhood. It proposes innovative solutions such as collecting and remediating the contaminated soil, utilizing plants with bio-remediation capabilities, and repurposing the treated soil for sustainable construction. In addition to environmental restoration, the Assembly focuses on generating employment opportunities and rejuvenating the post-industrial landscape of Taranto. It envisions a comprehensive timeline spanning over a decade, during which it plans to create spaces tailored to the needs of the community. The People Assembly also acts as a crucial link between higher authorities and the residents, facilitating decision-making processes and policy formulation. It serves as a mediating ground, ensuring that the voices and concerns of the locals are heard and considered. Ultimately, the People Assembly of Taranto represents a determined effort to bring about positive change by addressing environmental issues, revitalizing the community, and fostering local engagement. Its vision is to transform Taranto into a thriving and sustainable city, laying the foundation for a brighter future.
