THE REPORT “SEA MONSTER 2024” DI LEGAMBIENTE UNDERLINES THAT BY 2023, CRIMES AGAINST THE SEA AND THE ITALIAN COAST WILL INCREASE BY 30%. A THREAT TO THE COUNTRY’S COASTAL HERITAGE, UNLAWFUL BUILDINGS, ILLEGAL CEMENT AND POLLUTION, FACTORS AFFECTING THE ECONOMY AND THE SECURITY OF LOCAL COMMUNITIES
The Legambiente Report “Maremonster”
Our country faces a variety of threats that endanger the beauty and health of its coasts. The annual report “Mare Mostrum 2024” By Legambientecreated with the aim of monitoring and reporting ecological violations, and raising the awareness of public opinion and institutions about the environmental problems plaguing our territory, paints a bleak picture of the current situation.
To understand the scale of these problems and the urgency of targeted interventions, it is essential to examine the detailed data in the file.
In 2023, the police and the Port authorities they found 22,956 criminal offenses related to the sea: an increase of 29.7% compared to the previous year. This increase reflects an average of 8.4 crimes per kilometer of coastline, or one per 119 meters.
In particular thepollution of the sea and the illegal waste management are worrying, with an increase of 59.3% and 6,372 cases recorded. This type of crime not only damages marine ecosystems, but also poses a serious risk to human health, as toxic substances can enter the food chain via the sea and then end up on our tables.
Another critical point concerns the illegal fishingwhich, with its 4,268 crimes (+11.3%), poses a direct threat to the marine ecosystem, decimating fish stocks and endangering natural balances.
Finally, the crimes and offenses related to pleasure sailingsuch as operating boats without the necessary permits, navigating protected areas or not adhering to safety regulations, have increased dramatically.
In 2023, 2,059 of this type of violations were registered. This represents an increase of 230% compared to the previous year. But let’s focus on what seems to be the thorniest issue, namely arbitrary overbuilding.
And “mare” of illegal concrete: a constant threat
One of the most serious threats emerges illegal cement cyclewith 10,257 confirmed cases and an increase of 11.2% compared to 2022.
This phenomenon continues to endanger Italian coasts, especially in the southern regions of the country such as Campania, Calabria and Sicily. Here, illegal construction is often associated with the presence of mafia organizations, which take advantage of the lack of control to build.”eco monstersIn total freedom.
This creates a vicious circle: the organized crime makes huge profits, while seriously damaging the environment and making coastal development increasingly unsustainable.
Illegal construction not only distorts the coastal landscape, but also contributes significantly to environmental pollution. Properties are often not equipped with adequate wastewater treatment systems. As a result, harmful waste is dumped directly into the sea, without any filter or purification.
The harm caused by such practices is twofold. On an environmental level, thewater pollution It endangers marine biodiversity, negatively impacts the health of ecosystems and can have detrimental effects on fish species and the quality of fish consumed by humans.
On a social level, the degradation of coastal communities it hinders sustainable development and undermines the quality of life of residents. These areas, damaged by uncontrolled overdevelopment and the lack of adequate services, are seeing the possibility of economic growth and infrastructure improvement, which are fundamental to the well-being of the local population, disappearing.
The importance of protecting the sea: a heritage that must be saved
Legambiente reminds us that the sea is not only an essential ecosystem for biodiversity, but also represents a source of economic and social well-being. Italy’s coasts, stretching 7,914 kilometers, attract millions of tourists every year and are the lifeblood of many local communities. However, without adequate protection, this heritage risks being irreparably endangered.
In its report, the association does not limit itself to denouncing the state of emergency, but makes ten concrete proposals to the government and parliament to stop the attack on the Italian coasts.
Legambiente’s proposals for the protection of the coasts
To follow the “top ten” of Legambiente’s proposals:
Tightening penalties and sanctions for environmental crimes;
Strengthen surveillance and monitoring of coastal areas to prevent and promptly identify environmental crimes and illegal constructions;
Introduction of faster and more efficient procedures for the demolition of illegally constructed buildings, ensuring that illegal structures are removed and areas are restored;
Develop a national plan for the restoration and redevelopment of damaged coastal areas, including environmental restoration and restoration interventions;
Adopt policies that promote the sustainability and protection of marine ecosystems, such as fisheries regulation and marine litter management:
Promote greater cooperation between local and national authorities to ensure coordinated and effective action against illegal construction and pollution;
Providing incentives for the regularization of existing buildings, allowing illegal buildings to be brought up to code with interventions to adapt and comply with environmental regulations;
Launch awareness campaigns and educational programs to inform citizens and businesses about the risks and consequences of environmental violations and the importance of sustainability;
Create and implement urban planning instruments and plans that integrate sustainability and environmental protection criteria into the design and development of coastal areas;
Allocate more financial resources to research and development of innovative technologies and practices for the protection and restoration of the coastal and marine environment.
These proposals aim to create a more robust system to protect Italy’s coasts, ensure more sustainable management of natural resources and promote a greener and safer future for coastal communities.
Ultimately, the Mare Monstrum 2024 report leaves no doubt: environmental protection policy must become a national priority.
A tribute to Angelo Vassallo
The Legambiente file is dedicated to the memory of Angelo Vassallothe mayor/fisherman of Pollica, a municipality in the province of Salerno, on the beautiful Cilento coast.
The man, who has become a symbol of courage and dedication, stood out for his strong opposition to illegal construction and illegal activities that threatened the natural beauty and integrity of his city’s coastal environment.
Unfortunately, his struggle had put him at odds with the interests of organized crime, which saw illegal businesses and illegal structures as a source of profit. On September 5, 2010, Vassallo was murdered under mysterious circumstances.