INTERNATIONAL SEMINAR
THE HYGEIA LEGACY - 3° edition
Medicinal Plant Heritage and Sustainable Rural Entrepreneurship for Young Europeans
17-18 November 2025
Torregrotta, Italy
About the event
The Hygeia Legacy is the annual international seminar promoted by the Cultural Route "The European Route of Historic Pharmacies and Medicinal Gardens". This event is a platform for knowledge exchange and capacity-building among young people, institutions, and experts engaged in the cultural, scientific and social valorisation of medicinal plants heritage.
The seminar is rooted in the recognition of historic pharmacies and medicinal gardens as living places of memory and innovation. It promotes their relevance in addressing today's global challenges related to ecological transition, biocultural diversity, health, and sustainable development.
This edition takes place in the Mediterranean landscape of Torregrotta, Sicily, and is promoted by the International Association Aromas Itinerarium Salutis in collaboration with the Municipality of Torregrotta. The event is dedicated to young people who wish to leave a positive mark on the future, combining entrepreneurship, ecological awareness, and cultural memory.
Through the theme Medicinal Plants and Sustainable Rural Entrepreneurship for Young Europeans, the seminar invites botanists, pharmacologists, curators, educators and visionaries to come together with young entrepreneurs and share methods, experiences and perspectives for designing sustainable development models rooted in care, knowledge and green innovation.
Venues
Gallery | The Hygeia Legacy 2025
All photographs are © ph. Gianpiero Panarello & AIS.
Call for young presenters
Are you a student or a young entrepreneur (18–30) who is developing a project, launching a start-up, or has already started an activity related to rural development and medicinal plants?
Would you like to present it at Hygeia 2025 and connect with experts and peers in a B2B and networking session?
We welcome proposals from:
- Researchers and scholars
- Young entrepreneurs
- Civil society initiatives
- Cultural and Natural Heritage professionals
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Deadline for submission: 15 September 2025
Submit your abstract (max 200 words) by email to: director@aromassalutis.eu
Press
FAQ
Questions, doubts or curious about how to take part in the seminar? Here you’ll find answers to some of the most frequently asked questions, designed to help you plan and make the most of your participation.
Will there be translation during the seminar? Yes, there will be simultaneous Italian/English and English/Italian translation for all plenary sessions.
What should I wear for the guided visits? We recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes and clothes suitable for outdoor activities.
Will I receive a certificate of participation? Yes, a certificate will be provided to all participants who attend the seminar in person.
Is participation free of charge? Yes, participation in the seminar is free. Travel and accommodation costs may be covered by your organisation or project. If you need a formal invitation letter for institutional reasons or to support your participation, feel free to contact us.
Will meals be provided? Yes, lunch and dinner are included in the programme on 17 and lunch on 18 November. Please indicate any dietary needs in the registration form.
Is there a recommended arrival time? Yes, we strongly recommend arriving on the evening of 16 November, as the seminar will start early in the morning on 17 November. Arriving the day before ensures you can take part in the full programme without stress.
How do I get to Torregrotta? Torregrotta is located on the northeastern coast of Sicily, near the city of Messina. The most convenient airport is Catania, followed by Palermo. For those already travelling in Sicily or arriving by train or ferry, Messina is the closest urban hub with frequent regional train connections to Torregrotta.
Will transfers be provided? The organisation is exploring the possibility of arranging shared transfers to and from Torregrotta, depending on the number of participants, available resources, and the travel information collected through the registration form. We are committed to doing our best to support participants' mobility, and will evaluate suitable options based on the needs expressed.
Can I rent a car to get around? Yes, renting a car is a good option if you prefer full autonomy during your stay. Car rental services are available at both Palermo and Catania airports. Please remember that shared transfers will also be provided if you prefer not to drive.
Any other questions? Feel free to write to us at director@aromassalutis.eu