An important novelty
New in autumn, the biotope MUSE in the heart of the city of Trento, it is an ambassador of the importance of knowing and protecting the humid environments of the valley floor. With an urban pond at the center that houses over 80 aquatic and marsh plant species, some of which are very rare in nature, the new space of about 2.000 square meters, created in collaboration with the Sustainable Development and Protected Areas Service and the Support Service employment and environmental enhancement of the Autonomous Province of Trento, is unique in the Italian museum panorama. It is a small oasis of biodiversity. A place to discover aquatic plants, amphibians and insects, stroll and relax, an open-air laboratory for study, naturalistic conservation and educational activities related to Citizen Science. Already imagined in the original project by the architect Renzo Piano, the MUSE biotope was built on the west side of the building, between the tropical greenhouse and via Sanseverino, and presents the characteristics of the wet areas of the Trentino valleys, with the particularity of being in a urban context.
A treasure trove of biodiversity
About 2.000 square meters, of which 600 are occupied by a body of water (1,80 m deep) and another 200 by a marshy area. A precious treasure chest of city biodiversity, an "unexpected" natural space that has already become home to various animal species such as dragonflies, emerald toads and birds and where over 4.000 specimens of 80 native aquatic and marsh botanical species have been planted, some of which are very rare or almost disappeared from the humid areas of Trentino. The message that MUSE wants to launch is clear and in contrast: to rediscover and appreciate the great plant and animal wealth that revolves around humid environments, in the past considered useless and often reclaimed to make room for new agricultural land.
Available to all
The urban biotope, crossed by a walkway, with benches and shaded areas, will be accessible every day from 9 to 18. A new space available to citizens, visitors and nature lovers that in the coming months will come alive with themed events , research activities and proposals for schools with the aim of involving and thrilling young generations in the most current environmental issues. “Since its design idea, MUSE has proposed itself as a space open to research and innovation in scientific communication. The theme of the conservation of nature is part of these intentions and is a focal point in his exhibition path. The idea of presenting the environment of the wetlands of the valley floor live, with a real living biotope, is part of an initial design that is now fully and highly competent realization. A precious space where over 4.000 specimens of plant species of these particular and at risk environments, a real ecosystem, are gathered to arouse the interest of the museum public, schools, nature lovers and to share a common awareness of importance of their conservation in nature ", says MUSE director Michele Lanzinger (source: FIDC).
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