Maratea and the Monk Seal: A Tale of Environmental Awareness and Social Activism

On April 9th, at the Chamber of Deputies, the official presentation of the fairy tale "Maratea and the Monk Seal", by Dario Vassallo, will take place in the evocative setting of the Matteotti Hall, located in Piazza del Parlamento in Rome. The presentation, promoted by the Angelo Vassallo Foundation and supported by Iod editions, will be enriched by the illustrations of Violante Varriale and will see the participation of prominent figures, including the Vice President of the Chamber of Deputies Sergio Costa, the Mayor of Maratea Daniele Stoppelli, and the representative of the Maratea Fishing Enterprises Manuel Chiappetta. The fairy tale "Maratea and the Monk Seal" represents a work of great value both for its intrinsic meaning and for the context that surrounds it. Vassallo was inspired by the ancient forms of popular narration to create a story that not only entertains but above all inspires reflection and action. The heart of this fairy tale is a deep pain and an unwavering commitment to justice and social activism. The author, overwhelmed by the tragic loss of his brother Angelo Vassallo, mayor of Pollica, victim of a Camorra-related attack in 2010, found in narration a way to express his pain and determination in rebuilding a sense of harmony and respect between man and nature, against the disaster produced by the breaking of this peaceful bond. And he does so through the passing of the baton from grandfather to grandson, "because only by passing on to the younger generations the importance of the ecosystem, can we truly protect it". The work, set in the evocative scenery of Maratea, is not only intended for the entertainment of the younger ones but also carries an important message of environmental and political awareness. Dario Vassallo, president of the Angelo Vassallo Foundation, emphasizes the importance of this initiative, revealing to the reader multiple levels of reading and interpretation. The goal, in fact, is twofold: to educate future generations on the importance of environmental protection and at the same time push politics towards the establishment of a protected marine area in Maratea. The collaboration with former minister Costa is emblematic, as both have fought for the creation of this protected area. Vassallo explains that this fairy tale is a means to turn a dream into reality, in a place he describes as "paradisiacal" and that brings to mind the very idea of Paradise. "I wrote this fairy tale as a gesture of love towards Maratea, its sea, and its beauties. It is one of the few places where the soul finds peace, quiets down, and the mind dreams. Perhaps it is the place of dreams. And beauty must always be protected", says Vassallo. The event on April 9th represents a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in a narrative journey that combines past and present, fantasy and reality, with the goal of inspiring positive changes in society and in the relationship between man and the environment that surrounds him.