(ANSA) – ROME, 01 SEPTEMBER – The resolution presented by the Environment Councilor Sabrina Alfonsi regarding the draft Memorandum of Understanding with Legambiente ‘Comuni Amici delle Tartarughe Marine – Conservation actions aimed at protecting the Caretta caretta species and safeguarding coastal habitats’ has been approved by the Capitoline Council. This was announced by the Campidoglio.
The Municipal Administration intends to give its contribution to the conservation of the turtle, committing to respect the indications provided by Legambiente for a responsible management of the beaches, potential nesting areas for these animals. The Municipalities that sign the memorandum of understanding will be awarded the title of ‘Municipality friend of marine turtles’ and will receive a flag to display.
Specifically, Rome Capitale is committed, among other actions, to ensuring compliance with current legislation to protect the sea and coastal environments, such as the ban on parking and transit of motor vehicles on the beaches, the lighting of fires or bonfires, the abandonment of waste, which also represents a serious threat to dune vegetation and a danger for the nesting/hatching of sea turtles; to promote manual cleaning of the beaches and to avoid interventions of excavation and leveling of dunes, as well as encouraging the involvement and civic participation of citizens.
Legambiente, on the other hand, is committed, among other things, to promoting and supporting the actions of the municipal administration and the managers of the beach resorts and to carrying out, in collaboration with the local representatives of the Life Turtlenest Project, scientific, cultural and educational activities relating to the protection of sea turtles and marine biodiversity in general.
“An important protocol that underlines the commitment of Rome Capital to the protection of marine biodiversity and, in particular, the attention for this species – says Alfonsi – Our 18 km of coastline enclose between waters and dune system a complex natural ecosystem that we enhance and protect also through a joint action with Legambiente, thanks to this protocol that strengthens our common commitment to the protection of nesting sites”.
“We are thrilled to welcome Rome among the ‘Marine Turtle Friendly Municipalities’ – says Stefano Di Marco of Legambiente – For years, the Roman coast has become a point of reference for the nesting of the Caretta caretta. With Rome’s membership, we hope to be able to further reduce the human impact on our beaches, addressing threats such as noise and light pollution that put at risk the survival of turtles and the success of their eggs hatching along our coasts. Together with the administration and in particular with Municipio X, we will also work side by side to raise awareness among beach resort managers.
The goal is to make the managed stretches of coast not only welcoming for citizens and tourists, but also safe and hospitable for the sea turtles that choose these beaches to nest”. (ANSA).
2024-09-01 18:10:40