Naples – This morning, Greenpeace Italy activists made the sea of Gaiola, the most beautiful marine area of Naples, talk about it by hanging a huge banner depicting a toilet with the words “Basta scarichi” (Enough with waste disposal) on the arch of the islet.
A symbolic gesture to raise the alarm to the government: Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) are treasure chests of biodiversity, not landfills for sewage discharges. From the terrace of the MPA gaiola, other activists displayed a second message: “Marine Protected Areas are not a sewer.”
The action comes after the appeal filed in February by Greenpeace Italy and Marevivo at the Regional Administrative Court of Campania against a decree of the Ministry of the Environment. The measure authorizes the doubling of sewage discharges in the Special Conservation Area (SAC) Gaiola and Nisida Seabed, part of the Natura 2000 Network, near the Amp Parco Sommerso di Gaiola.
The project, linked to the environmental remediation and urban regeneration program (Praru) of the former industrial area of Bagnoli, threatens the biodiversity of two already fragile marine reserves, burdened by existing waste and human pressure.
“The government, instead of protecting our precious marine biodiversity, is transforming valuable areas into open-air sewers,” denounces Valentina Di Miccoli, Greenpeace Italy sea campaigner.
“Marine protected areas are the only effective tool to protect the sea, according to the scientific community. Instead of putting them at risk, we should reach the international goal of protecting 30% of the seas by 2030, on which Italy is seriously behind”.
In fact, Italy has not yet ratified the Ocean Treaty, unlike many countries present at the recent UN conference in Nice. Greenpeace denies the government's official estimates, according to which the protected sea in Italy would exceed 1%. The count includes the Sites of Community Interest (SCI), such as the Gaiola and Nisida ZSC, but concrete protection measures and effective management are often lacking.
To raise awareness of the urgency of protecting seas and coastal communities from the climate crisis, Greenpeace's Arctic Sunrise ship is sailing the Italian seas. After France, it will stop in Venice on June 21 and 22, with events open to the public, before continuing on to Croatia and Greece. A journey to remember that the sea is not a sewer, but a heritage to be saved.
today's is undoubtedly a strong signal that comes from part of the association in support of the battle of those who care about Naples and not only the fate of the marine naturalistic oasis of la Gaiola. According to many studies, the new pipeline, even if underwater, would irreversibly damage the eco system of that area sent and studied by sea lovers from all over the world.
In short
Naples – This morning, Greenpeace Italy activists brought the Gaiola sea, Naples' most beautiful seaside area, to the forefront by hanging a huge banner depicting a toilet with…
- A symbolic gesture to raise the alarm for the government: Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) are treasure troves of biodiversity, not…
- From the terrace of the Gaiola MPA, other activists displayed a second message: “Marine Protected Areas are not a sewer.”
- The action follows the appeal filed in February by Greenpeace Italy and Marevivo at the Campania Regional Administrative Court (TAR) against a decree…
Key questions
What is the main point of the news?
Naples – This morning, Greenpeace Italy activists brought the Gaiola sea, Naples' most beautiful coastal area, to the forefront by hanging a huge banner depicting…
Why is this news relevant?
A symbolic gesture to raise the alarm for the government: Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) are treasure troves of biodiversity, not…
Which detail helps us understand the case better?
From the terrace of the Gaiola MPA, other activists displayed a second message: “Marine Protected Areas are not a sewer.”
It is important to talk about these things, but I have to say that I do not know if people understand the real problem of sewage discharges. We need greater awareness among people and more effective government action to protect the sea.