VIVI ~ WATERWAYS

The sturgeon is a species that has inhabited the Po River for over 200 million years. It is a migratory fish that swims upstream to spawn. Unfortunately, today its survival is threatened due to pollution caused by extensive human activity and the construction of a dam that has disrupted the river's nat-ural flow. The few remaining specimens are kept alive in long artificial basins submerged in the for-est. In this environment, they are bred and can live far from any danger, in clear and tranquil water. They await adulthood and being released into the dark and murky waters of the river, at the mercy of their destiny. The largest hydroelectric power station in Italy, with its imposing dams, has interrupted the natural flow of the river, hindering the mobility of fish, including the sturgeon. These fish have no longer found safe places to release their eggs. However, today there is a new hope thanks to the construc-tion of a fish ladder that restores the river's continuity. The monitoring room is located below the dam's level, and through a large porthole, you can see the water flowing rapidly again, in the hope that at least one sturgeon can pass through. "VIVI" is a clear example of short-sighted policies leading to the extinction of an ancient species. It tells the collective story of young researchers and volunteers dedicated to safeguarding life, habitat, and culture that are part of their territory. It contrasts the physicality of a wall that obstructs and di-vides with the apparently fragile but resilient nature. It does so through the eyes of the sturgeon, depicting the challenges it must overcome in a corrupted habitat. It's a symphony of water, nature, and small actions that change the world.