From the Eduki Competition to the territory
The “Participatory Project for the Requalification of the Cassarate River” – an inspiring initiative involving generations in Ticino.

Since its creation, ten editions ago, the Eduki Competition has aimed to highlight the enthusiasm and sense of responsibility of younger generations, by encouraging them to analyze the realities in which they live and to imagine solutions oriented toward the future. The projects presented show how the engagement of students can translate into a concrete impact on society and on their territory. It is within this framework that the Participatory Project for the Requalification of the Cassarate River takes place, an initiative that involved primary and upper secondary students, as well as adults, highlighting its educational and civic potential.

From the Eduki Competition to a concrete project in the territory of Ticino

During the 2023/2024 edition entitled “My future, my ideas,” biology teacher Manuela Varini involved her class from Liceo Lugano 1 (LiLu 1) in a process that transformed a school experience into a concrete contribution to territorial planning. The registration made it possible to highlight her class’s engagement, the ideas developed and the students’ motivation, offering them the opportunity to share their work within a framework of reflection and exchange at the national level.

An experience of active and interdisciplinary citizenship that became a pioneering project at national level

Although the main objective of the Competition is to encourage all projects — small or large, successful or not, local or ambitious — the central aspect remains the ability to stimulate students’ reflection and engagement on current issues that directly concern them, in connection with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The project on the Cassarate is part of a set of initiatives distinguished by their scope and by their lasting impact over time. As part of the planning of interventions on the river, the Department of Territory of the Republic and Canton of Ticino chose to directly involve the students of Liceo Lugano 1. The activity took place within the Complementary Option course in Biology, in close collaboration with Geography.

Between 2021 and 2023, the students explored numerous aspects related to river requalification, exchanging with professionals and experts in the field. The ideas of the children from the Pregassona Probello Primary School were integrated into the project, further strengthening its participatory dimension.

According to State Councillor Claudio Zali, the direct engagement of younger generations represents an unprecedented initiative at national level. The Participatory Project for the Requalification of the Cassarate River stands out for:

• An interdisciplinary approach;
• The central role of younger generations, where every idea is heard;
• A new interpretation of the river, no longer as an element of separation, but as a space for relationships, activities and life.

Some of the proposals developed were presented to the authorities and found resonance in official planning. The project thus became a true example of participatory development, where the contribution of young people is fully integrated into the decision-making process of the city of Lugano.

With the hope that this experience, as well as the Eduki Competition, continues to inspire many generations of students in Ticino, demonstrating that from a simple registration it is possible to work concretely on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations 2030 Agenda.

More information about the project (in Italian):

Riqualifica del fiume Cassarate – Corsi d’acqua (DT) – Repubblica e Cantone Ticino

RiqualificaCassarate-Progetti_degli_allievi_LiLu1.pdf

Progetto partecipativo per la sistemazione del fiume Cassarate – YouTube

More information about the Competition:
Eduki National Competition 2025/2026 & Françoise Demole Award – Fondation Eduki