Valentina Palmeri to lead the AEMED Mediterranean Network

Valentina Palmeri is the president of the Mediterranean Network - AEMED. A graduate in Natural Sciences from the University of Palermo, she helped manage the family farm and volunteered with LIPU (Italian League for the Protection of the Italian Pupils) as a nature guide, developing a deep understanding of the Mediterranean region and ecosystems. From 2012 to 2022, she served as a regional representative in the Sicilian Regional Assembly, holding important positions such as Vice President of the Environment, Territory, and Mobility Commission, President of the Water Service Subcommittee, and member of the Productive Activities Commission. During her tenure, she fought for environmental protection, the fight against desertification, and the promotion of sustainable agricultural models. Her name is particularly linked to the spread of agroecology in Sicily. She is, in fact, the first signatory of Regional Law 21/2021, "Provisions on agroecology, the protection of biodiversity and Sicilian agricultural products, and technological innovation in agriculture," an innovative legislation that promotes soil protection, biodiversity, and the reduction of chemical use in agriculture. Over the years, she has promoted initiatives, meetings, and collaborations with associations, technicians, and local organizations to foster the agroecological transition and raise awareness of the challenges of climate change and the protection of natural resources. Alongside her environmental commitment, she has also been involved in health and safety, promoting Regional Law 20/2020 on the dissemination of pediatric drainage techniques and first aid in families and schools. Her election as President of AEMED strengthens the mission of the Mediterranean network: promoting cooperation, environmental sustainability, and agroecology as fundamental tools for the future of Mediterranean regions.