“MICHELE DE VECCHI” PRIZE
for theses related to the Fontane Bianche nature reserve in Sernaglia della Battaglia.
“MICHELE DE VECCHI” PRIZE
for theses related to the Fontane Bianche nature reserve in Sernaglia della Battaglia.
Sponsorship project for undergraduate and postgraduate theses that focus on the study of the Fontane Bianche in Sernaglia della Battaglia (TV).
The award is designed to engage young people and bring them closer to local environmental care through theses focused on:
- biodiversity as the number of species in a given class present at Fontane Bianche (e.g., shrubs; aquatic insects; mammals);
- biodiversity in different habitats within the nature reserve (e.g., the spring stream; the pond; the riparian forest);
- management practices of the reserve and anthropogenic pressure on ecosystems;
The award serves as a tribute to the passion and generosity of the studies conducted by Michele De Vecchi, a student at the University of Padua who, unfortunately, passed away before presenting his Master’s thesis in Forestry and Environmental Sciences on public use of Fontane Bianche.
Information about the prize
What we offer
- a contribution of euros 300 for a bachelor thesis;
- a contribution of euros 700 for a master thesis.
What we require
A copy of the thesis, authorization to cite its contents, and the presentation of the thesis at a public conference to be held in Sernaglia della Battaglia (Treviso).
Financial awards we offer
We provide 4 financial awards for thesis submissions, granted in order of submission.
How to apply:
- Graduates must inform Legambiente Sernaglia of the thesis title, structure, and the supervising professor before starting fieldwork.
- The president of the association will assess whether the study project qualifies for the available award.
- If approved, after the thesis defense, the president will review the completed work to ensure that the study project was followed.
- If the project meets the criteria, the president will announce the award and arrange the date and location for the public presentation of the thesis.
The Fontane Bianche nature reserve
It is a floodplain area rich in springs that flow into the Piave River slightly further downstream.
The area covers approximately 100 hectares, of which one-third has been managed by our association since 1990, paying a concession fee to the Civil Engineering Office of Treviso.
Over the years, thanks to volunteer work and collaboration with local authorities, the nature reserve has developed a pedestrian path with comprehensive educational signage, small bridges, fences, and amenities such as benches and tables for recreational use.
The network of trails is primarily designed for school groups, accompanied by trained naturalist guides who introduce them to the origins of the springs, the unique microclimate, and the valuable biodiversity of the area.