A book that recounts a real-life revolution in the protection of our marine heritage: “Il mare d’inverno. A dialogue between a magistrate and a marine biologist on environmental crimes” (Rubbettino Publisher) co-authored by Camillo Falvo and Silvio Greco.
This book is not merely an essay, but a gripping account of an unprecedented and successful alliance. At the heart of the story lies the ‘Vibo model’, a significant investigative and scientific initiative launched in Calabria which has demonstrated how the synergy between the judiciary, law enforcement agencies and scientific research can effectively combat environmental devastation.
The Main Characters
• Camillo Falvo: Public Prosecutor (formerly in Vibo Valentia until April 2026 and currently in Potenza), who has always been at the forefront of the fight against organised crime and has shown a deep and widely recognised commitment to countering environmental crime.
• Silvestro “Silvio” Greco: A figure of outstanding scientific and institutional importance on the Italian and international scene. Professor of Ecology at Pollenzo and lecturer in Marine Ecology at the Pontifical Antonianum University, he has over two hundred scientific publications to his name and has led numerous scientific expeditions in the world’s oceans.
Silvio Greco and the Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn
Silvio Greco’s connection with marine conservation is inextricably linked to the Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn (SZN). Currently Vice-President of the organisation and a former member of the Board of Directors (BoD), Silvio Greco has played a crucial role in the Calabria region: indeed, he has served as Director, since its inception, of the SZN’s CRIMAC – Centre for Advanced Marine Research and Infrastructure in Calabria, located in Amendolara (CS).
It was precisely this scientific body, under his leadership, that served as the technological and analytical driving force, providing the judiciary with the tools needed to identify those responsible for environmental crimes.
‘I need science to deliver justice.’
A powerful statement that encapsulates the essence of the book: the sea is not an isolated entity; it is a reflection of our actions on land. Protecting it is not only a moral and constitutional duty, but an absolute necessity to safeguard our health, economy and future.
“Il mare d’inverno” is an engaging, urgent and necessary dialogue. It is recommended reading for anyone who wants to understand how scientific knowledge can become a practical shield for the common good.
