Walks, wild stops in the reserve, launch of waste: in the protected areas of Porto Cesareo reigns incivility

In Porto Cesareo, Puglia, protected areas continue to undergo irresponsible behavior by summer visitors. Some tourists, ignoring the rules and information signs (and also common sense and civic consciousness), date back the sand dunes and abandon waste in sensitive areas.

Then there are those who thought it well to break the fence to protect the dunes, just to have a more “comfortable” access and so the coming and going of tourists and not only did it become even more intense. These episodes are just some of those taken by drones and posted by the Legambiente section of Porto Cesareo on social media. Actions that irreparably damage the ecosystem and that have made a more frequent intervention necessary by those who protect the territory.

Penalties and controls: so the dunes are protected

As made known by the president of the Legambiente Porto Cesareo Circle, Lugi Massimiliano Aquaro, the voluntary environmental inspectors intensified their exits. In summer, in fact, the supervision has increased compared to the three standard weekly rounds, to monitor 20 kilometers of coast and intervene in situations of degradation or violation of the standards.

Inspectors can apply fines in collaboration with the Municipality for the incorrect transfer of waste or for prohibited behaviors, such as unauthorized bivouacs. The massive presence of tourists – up to 150,000 people a day in the summer – makes the task demanding, but essential for preserving the marine ecosystem and natural areas.

In particular, the areas of the regional reserve present specific prohibitions, such as the parking lot prohibited on beaches, rocks and duna feet. These rules, in force for over twenty years, have often been ignored by visitors, who complain of sanctions considered “unjust”. However, these are regulations designed to protect delicate habitats and prevent permanent damage to the territory.

Education and civic responsibility are needed

In addition to the contrast of waste and the wild stop, environmental supervision aims to raise awareness of citizens on respect for ecological standards. Legambiente hopes for the collaboration of residents and tourists to preserve the beauty of the sea and dunes. The experience of recent years shows that the active participation of the community can reduce harmful behaviors and increase respect for protected areas.

The objective of strengthening vigilance is twofold: sanctioning those who violate the rules and prevent future damage, guaranteeing a balance between tourism and environmental protection. Thanks to the collaboration with the Municipality and the Office of the Park, Legambiente Porto Cesareo hopes to consolidate a culture of respect and attention to the most fragile ecosystems in the area.

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