Italy Launches New Public-Private Partnership to Combat Organized Crime in Water & Environmental Sector
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A new protocol signed today aims to bolster cooperation between public and private entities in Terni, Italy, to prevent organized crime from infiltrating the crucial water and environmental services sector. The agreement, a public-private partnership, seeks to strengthen defenses against illicit activities impacting the operations of the ACEA Group companies within the province.
The initiative builds upon a national framework protocol established on July 19, 2023, by Italy’s Minister of the Interior, Matteo Piantedosi, and Acea CEO and General Manager, Fabrizio Palermo. The local agreement was formalized at Palazzo Bazzani with the signatures of Prefect Antonietta Orlando, and key leaders from across the ACEA Group and affiliated companies, including Acea Ambiente srl, ASM Terni SpA, Umbria Distribuzione Gas SpA, Ferrocart srl, Umbriadue Servizi Idrici Scarl, and SIIScpA. Provincial leaders from the Police Force were also present during the signing.
Addressing a Critical Vulnerability
The protocol focuses on a range of potential threats, including irregularities in procurement, theft, damage, fraud, and attacks targeting essential infrastructure. It also addresses concerns surrounding waste management – specifically, violations and irregularities in transport, recovery, and disposal – and the broader risk of infiltration by organized crime.
“Legality represents a value in itself, to which administrative action must always be based and for which all possible activities must be implemented, both by the public and private components,” stated Prefect Orlando, expressing her appreciation for the initiative’s potential to increase levels of legality. “The Protocol just signed therefore represents an important commitment to cooperation and public-private partnership which will be applied through the adoption of concrete initiatives in the area for the protection of freedom of enterprise, economic development and for the diffusion of legality.”
Enhanced Due Diligence and Sustainability
A core component of the agreement involves rigorous verification of supplier companies. This includes assessing their technical, economic, capital, and financial requirements, as well as ensuring the regularity of staff. The protocol also prioritizes worker health and safety and environmental sustainability, aiming to prevent negative impacts and promote responsible practices.
Domenico Vozza, the Security Manager of the Acea SpA Group, will serve as the central point of contact for implementing the protocol, ensuring a coordinated and effective response to potential threats. This collaborative effort signals a proactive approach to safeguarding vital infrastructure and promoting a more secure and transparent operating environment within the region.
