An association that strongly believes in the importance of protecting Mother Nature with its riches. An organization that always strives for environmental justice, starting from the local context to give a broader impact. Sicilian Nature It is a regional non-profit organization; it serves the entire Sicilian territory, especially eastern Sicily.
History of an association consistent with its principles
Natura Sicula was founded in 2008 in Syracuse by a group of young environmentalists already active in other organizations. Their goal was to engage and raise awareness among as many people as possible about associations dedicated to the conservation and promotion of natural and ethno-anthropological treasures. Over time, the organization has become well-known through its activities, garnering widespread recognition, becoming the largest environmental association in Sicily, with approximately 300 members. Since 2009, Natura Sicula has been registered with the Onlus (National Register of Non-Profit Organizations). This allows it to employ qualified environmental and hiking guides who lead individuals and groups on tourism or environmental education initiatives. Since 2009, the Onlus has also been part of the National Federation Pro Natura of Turin.
From January 2022 to June 2023, the association participated in an Erasmus+ project, through which it interacted with similar organizations in the European Union. The cultural events are held at Piazza Santa 24c in Syracuse from October to May. The evenings cover various themes, such as book presentations, theater and environmental performances, nature, ecology, and food events, the latter aimed at re-evaluating food peculiarities. To this end, the association organizes courses on identifying wild vegetables and plant food. Regarding its connection with the Great Mother, the non-profit organization, in addition to numerous excursions, organizes nature camps, eco-days, and various environmental education activities aimed at younger generations.
Environmental justice claimed by Natura Sicula
An organization that stands out from others because it doesn't just promote the area; it firmly believes in protecting it. Over the years, the association has filed numerous complaints and appeals with the Regional Administrative Court (TAR) against the speculative interests of those seeking profit. Its goal is to enforce environmental regulations, which are often ignored. A truly in-depth environmentalist fight, which leaves the message of maintaining connection and balance with Mother Nature, still vilified and tormented by the interests of capital and private individuals. Therefore, the volunteers go beyond the self-referential logic that is often articulated in other contexts by meetings attended by the same people.
This activism is time-consuming and resource-intensive, as Natura Sicula faces legal costs to file complaints and appeals. Among the demonstrations in defense of the land, last year's demonstration in Augusta is noteworthy. On an area designated for a community center or green space, the mayor agreed to the construction of a fast food restaurant. Natura Sicula filed an appeal with the Regional Administrative Court (TAR), arguing that the decision was not covered by the Master Plan. The CGA (Administrative Justice Council for the Sicilian Region) ruled that the nonprofit organization could not intervene in these matters, but it has filed another appeal.
Natura Sicula defended Capopassero Island, filing complaints against the private company that wanted to build a resort with suites. This would have had a significant and negative environmental impact. Furthermore, the association has consistently advocated for the establishment of the Plemmirio Reserve, so that the site receives environmental protection.
Sicilian Nature: Further interventions to protect the territory
The association maintains the access path to the church of Santa Panagia. It does this because spontaneous vegetation is growing, blocking the path, which was reopened for visitors in the early years of the non-profit organization's existence. Worthy of note is the reforestation project in the Scala Greca area, with the planting of nearly 1000 trees near the so-called "Troiane" forest. There are also conservation projects in the coves, or small inlets, on the island of Marettimo in the Aegadian Islands. For decades, agriculture has been abandoned here due to political pressure, favoring mass tourism instead. One cove in particular has been polluted by the sea, which has carried waste there. No one had taken the time to remove it, and so Natura Sicula reported the removal of tons of material that is unsustainable for the environment.
The association also took an interest in reopening, after extraordinary works, the tanneries of Palazzolo Acreide, now open to visitors upon request. This important historical monument has been returned to the community. Since 2019, Natura Sicula has been part of the Punta Izzo Possibile Coordination Committee, made up of associations and citizens calling for the demilitarization, reclamation, and use of Punta Izzo. A shooting range is located here, and its interference (though plans are underway to reopen it) hinders the enhancement of this natural site. Also noteworthy is the complaint filed by the association in 2020 regarding the removal of reeds from the Augusta salt pans. The pretext was to ensure the safety of the citizens. Simply cleaning the canal would have been sufficient, rather than a major operation that deprived the birds of their nesting habitat.
Other features to know
Fabio Morreale He is the president of Natura Sicula, and has the charisma to lead such a broad organization. Environmental education also encompasses local promotion, introducing previously unknown sites such as the Santa Panagia tuna fishery or the Dionysian Walls trail. Places that were overlooked 15-20 years ago are now popular excursion destinations. The proposed events engage everyone, from the most experienced hiker to the retiree, even children. The association maintains that carob mushrooms are edible, demonstrating, for example, that they can be eaten in Sicily. However, mycological literature disagrees on this; the goal is to include carob mushrooms among the local culinary treasures.
The conference on oaks was recently held, which opened the 2023/2024 season. They are trees that grow in spring, which makes them resistant and records climatic events on their trunks. Natura Sicula, since its foundation, has spent time planting the seed of knowledge and defense of the territory, so that the awareness of being one with the Great Mother and understanding that we come from her. An investment that brings long-term results for more sensitive individuals.
