In this article, I present the Venice dama dike project to protect the city against flooding.
Here you'll find
- A presentation of the MOSE project, the Venice dam
- How it works and what it does
- Facts and figures about the dam
- And much more!
If you're looking for information on the Venice Dam, you'll love this article.
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Venice dam: article summary
Venice dam: presentation of the MOSE project to save the city
Venice is an extremely popular city for its historyhis art and its many canals. These revolve around the Grand Canal and wind their way through the city, before emptying into the Venice lagoon.
However, the water that flows through the city and the Adriatic Sea that borders Venice make it vulnerable to a number of phenomena: erosionwith buildings gradually crumbling in contact with water, and Acqua AltaWe're also experiencing major flooding, which is submerging the streets.
Faced with these problems, a project dam was born in Venice: the MOSE projectwhich I present to you.
What is the MOSE Project?
As early as 1970, the urgent need to protect Venice was put forward by many experts. But it wasn't until 1987 that the Italian government has launched a program to save Venice. The aim? To intervene on the Venetian coastline to protect the city.
A highly complex undertaking, due to the configuration of the area, involving restructuring and interventions designed to strengthen defenses of the city.
The highlight of this project is the Venice damwhich took the name MOSE. The acronym stands for Modulo Sperimentale Elettromeccanico but it's also the name of the biblical character Moses which means saved by the waters.
This dam is built around a floating dike system and articulated which open and close according to tidal movements. Without going into too much technical detail, we can say that when the water rises, the panels straighten up to block it. prevent flooding.
The MOSE project was presented in 2002 and approved in 2003. But its completion was delayed several times, due to the financial scandals that marred the project and the various political oppositions that eventually led to commissioning in 2020.
This Venice dam is now operational, but work continues to improve it.
Facts and figures about the Venice Dam
- The dam consists of 7 floating dikes
- It extends over more than 2,500 metres
- Its cost is estimated at over 5 billion euros
- Visit November 4, 1966The Acqua Alta phenomenon was so strong that Venetians left their city en masse. An exodus with no return, which marked the urgency of building the dam.
- There is a Baby MOSE implemented at Chioggiafor the same reasons
Venice dam: is it effective?
Criticized for its astronomical costs, among other things, the Venice dam finally saw the light of day in 2020. With satisfactory results?
It seems that MOSE is effective to the Acqua Alta phenomenon taking place in Venice in winterin general. On October 3, 2020, it was deployed and no water seeped into the city, much to the relief of residents.
It was enough to raise the hopes of those who feared Venice would be disappear under the water in yet another flood. For the time being, St. Mark's Square should not be submerged again any time soon!
However, the system is only activated when the water level rises. the most importantThis means that small floods will continue to be part of everyday life for Venetians, who, for those whose front door is on the first floor, have small protective barriers that you can see as you stroll around the city, if you're on the lookout. unusual !
Controversy and controversy over the MOSE project in Venice
The Venice dam is accompanied by various controversies and problems that slowed down its construction, some of which are still with us today. Let me take you through some of these controversies.
Major financial scandals
In Italy, financial scandals are commonplace whenever large sums of money are involved. And unfortunately, the Venice dam is no exception to this sad rule.
A financial scandal erupted in 2014, notably involving the then mayor of Venice, Giorgio Orsoniwho has since been charged in connection with the affair. The charges relate to embezzlement estimated at around 1 billion euros!
A natural barrier at risk
The MOSE project is also about ecology. It's worth noting that the activation of dikes blocks certain natural exchanges between the lagoon and the sea, disrupting the ecosystem.
In the medium/long term, this could lead to the disappearance of certain animal and plant species and weaken the lagoon's natural defenses.
Already aging structures
In 2019, inspections of work on the Venice dam revealed damaged hinges and rusty casings. This raises concerns about the sustainability of the MOSE project and the materials used to build it.
Huge operating costs
The dam's activation, continuous monitoring and necessary maintenance generate a colossal operating costsThis has an impact on the municipality's taxes and budget. As a result, the main stakeholders want guaranteed results to ensure that the project remains sustainable.
What does the future hold for the Serenissima?
The Venice dam is a protection solution which seems to be bearing fruit in the face of an emergency situation. Alas, Venice will not last forever.
According to experts, Venice will be one of the first victims of global warming and could disappear around 2100. Sad news for future generations who may no longer be able to discover the wonders of the Serenissima.
You might as well take advantage nowthe time of a 3-day tour or a long stay to take the measure of all the superb monuments and priceless works of art!
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