The Forms of Gaia – Methodologies for Understanding a Territory

29 May 2025 – MARTA Auditorium, University of Enna “Kore”

As part of the Geopark Week program, the Rocca di Cerere UNESCO Global Geopark hosted the study day “The Forms of Gaia. Tools and Ideas for Reading a Territory,” held on Thursday 29 May at the M.A.R.T.A Auditorium of the Science Department at the University of Enna “Kore.”

A high-level academic and scientific event, the initiative aimed to foster interdisciplinary dialogue on how to interpret the landscape, understood as a complex and ever-evolving ecosystem.

A Territory to Be Read: Relationships, Landscapes, and Agents
Following the institutional greetings by Prof. Francesco Castelli, Director of the Department of Engineering and Architecture at the University of Enna “Kore,” the day continued with an introduction to the Si.M.Geo. project – Ecomuseum System of the Rocca di Cerere Geopark by Dr. Salvatore Troia, Director of the Geopark.

The roundtable discussion was opened by Prof. Gianluca Burgio (University of Enna “Kore”) and Dr. Matteo Fano (CNR – EHESS Marseille), who introduced the event’s theme: exploring tools and methods for understanding territories as relational networks between human and non-human elements.

Research and Vision to Design Shared Territories
The morning session featured contributions from:
• Prof.ssa Elisa Ferrari – University of Enna “Kore”
• Prof. Gabriele Freni – University of Enna “Kore”
• Prof. Gero Marzullo – University of Enna “Kore”

The discussion opened a space for dialogue among researchers, aiming to deepen the interpretation of contemporary landscapes where environmental, social, cultural, and infrastructural systems intersect, generating new balances and responsibilities.

Multispecies Territories and Sustainability
The study day offered an advanced reflection on methodologies for understanding territory, with particular focus on the multispecies dimension, that is, the coexistence and interaction between humans and natural, material, and immaterial agents.

In line with the vision of the Rocca di Cerere UNESCO Global Geopark and the Sustainable Development Goals of the 2030 Agenda, the event provided insights for designing possible futures centered on sustainability, environmental education, inclusion, and collective responsibility.