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DEC. JAN. 2019 VI MAGAZINE reservations”. A problem in areas that already suffer the digital divide . As for catering, for the electricity blackout many had to throw out the supplies they had in the pantry. “We asked for as little bureaucracy as possible for the claim for damages.” BOTH AGRICULTURE AND CATERING SUFFER “In Sicily the problems arrived at the end of the season, although this summer we suffered from rains and cloudbursts in Ragusa – says Maurizio Tasca , vice president Fipe Sicilia -, but the biggest damage has been suffered by agriculture. As a result, there were difficulties in the availability of ingredients and the prices of vegetables have also tripled: a problem for catering.” Then there is the problem of squatting, as demonstrated by the tragic facts of the house of Casteldaccia. “Situations requiring a refund of damages should be verified on a case-by-case basis. Finally, there are structural interventions to be done.” COMMUNICATING WITH CUSTOMERS The image damage from emergencies and photos of a devastated territory in the media is evident. After the emergency, it is important to communicate with customers. By letting them know that the situation has been resolved and the doors are open to welcome them. “We all have a mailing list of customers, also because many bookings are made via the web.” A “moral suasion” that can also be done through social media. Institutions must also play their part. “I am not worried – says Cavo – I know that the president of the region [Liguria] Toti has in mind a more than adequate plan for the relaunch ahead of next summer. A test has already been made with Pasta Pesto Day, which has raised funds all over the world.” Important initiatives that will probably become increasingly necessary. Among those who have been directly affected is Piero Basso , owner of the bathing establishment Vittoria Beach in Arma di Taggia, who tells us his story between a bulldozer and a damage control: “The night between 29 and the October 30 we had an extraordinary storm, with waves of six to seven meters. It overcame the protection and destroyed everything: the dining room and kitchen of the restaurant were flooded with water and sand, so much so that the fire department could not intervene with the water pump. The bulldozers have just finished. Now we’re working on restoring the restaurant for Christmas. And to put the establishment back to shape with a view to next summer.” Because, on the one hand, warming causes disasters, on the other, it extends the season. “At the end of October, we had French people coming to the beach, now we are preparing a solarium for customers who want to enjoy the sun even in winter.” A small consolation, or the confirmation that times have changed and strategies will have to be implemented. So, the lesson is this: climate change is here, and it needs to be managed. ______________________________ BOX THE MUNICIPAL COUNCIL OR REGION TO GET REFUNDS The situations are very varied depending on the region, but in case of doubt the first contact to claim compensation for the damage suffered is one’s own municipal council, which makes an assessment of damages to determine needs, after the Civil Protection has declared the state of natural disaster. In addition to its own funds, it collects the funds from the Region and Government. In Liguria the Region sent a form with a first request for damages (accompanied by photographs). In other cases, trade associations take care of gathering the inconvenient situations of its members. However, the timing of compensation is still uncertain. ______________________________ BOX THE REQUESTS OF THE TRADE ASSOCIATIONS: • planned structural interventions, non-emergency. Maintenance of rivers (embankments and riverbed cleaning) to prevent or limit flooding and downstream transport of materials that cause damage and pollution in the plains and along the coast • structural interventions to repair the coast from storms and beach loss • tax exemptions on alert days requiring closure on taxes such as waste and land occupation. • tax exemptions and extension of mortgage payments to banks ______________________________ AT PAGE 20 IN DEPTH The food of the future, or rather what is the future of food Providing food for a growing population with the need to increase production while trying to avoid waste. These are the new challenges that await us in the food sector By Mauro Garofalo While we are all concerned about climate change – heavy rains, felled trees, oil and wine in danger from too much heat – experts tell us that the future is an opportunity, even for food. What and how will we eat? Vegetable burgers and the “beer that is good for you” based on the Kernza plant grown for fodder, a return to the philosophy of our grandparents, who did not throw anything away. But first we will have to learn some key words, and choose better: environment, local produce, waste reduction, quality, no to plastic, farmers markets, food design. Environmental impact, waste, efficiency. Although the real turning point, as always, will more and more be down to us.