This time there is the OK from the Government: no more cruise ships in the Venice lagoon. The goal is to protect the territory, a Unesco heritage, but also the marine environment that is often put to the test. A decision, however, destined to cause discussion but which opens the way to many other seaside resorts that could ask for greater protection. The signature of the decree-law bears the name of the Prime Minister Mario Draghi. And thus puts an end to the many years of struggles of those who have asked that the "large floating skyscrapers" no longer pass by lagoon. Let's see what the Italian government's decision provides.
Venice Lagoon, an act for its protection
The document was adopted, as ordered by the government, to adapt the needs of protecting the artistic, cultural and environmental heritage of the city and those related to the conduct of cruise activities and freight traffic.. In fact, even if the large ships will no longer land in the Venice lagoon, the decree provides that a new place will be built, outside the lagoon, where the ships can pass and therefore protect the area.
It will be the Port Authority of the Northern Adriatic Sea to launch a competition of ideas aimed at collecting proposals and projects. Therefore, not only cruise ships carrying passengers over 40 thousand tons are prohibited, but also container ships used for transoceanic transports. In the past, the images of large ships very close to the Venetian monuments caused great indignation. A problem that affects many Italian cities on the sea that have asked for greater protection. Think of SIRACUSA, another city of art and Unesco heritage.
The decree for the Venice lagoon wanted by the government
The signing of the document took place on the evening of March 31st. So among the many measures that Italians are waiting for these days, this is news. Because it is an act that was wanted by many representatives of the executive. In fact, the proposal is from President Draghi, the Minister of Sustainable Infrastructure and Mobility Enrico Giovannini and the Minister of Culture Dario Franceschini. "A right decision that has been waiting for years - Franceschini stressed -. The Council of Ministers approves a decree that establishes that the definitive landing of the Large Ships in Venice must be designed and built outside the lagoon, as requested by Unesco ".
A competition of ideas for new arrivals
Now, within 60 days from the entry into force of the provision, a competition of ideas will be launched. The goal is clear: to develop technical and economic feasibility proposals and projects to create and manage mooring points outside the protected waters of the lagoon.. Allocated 2,2 million euros. But it will take time. So, for the time being, the large ships should be diverted to the industrial docks of Porto Marghera.
In the past, it must be said, another solution had already been found: ships will be able to cross the Canale dei Petroli, entering from the Malamocco harbor mouth, continue along the North canal of Marghera and dock here. On this front it was launched in February a tender, with deadline on April 15, for a cost of 41 million euros. Two different roads that could still prepare a more adequate route when, and hopefully soon, cruise tourism will restart. And the Venice stage will be better protected.
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