Controproposta Avs per il Parco dello Stretto: Nuove prospettive per il Ponte Messina

Europa Verde, an Italian political party, has proposed the creation of a national park in the Strait of Messina and the Costa Viola as an alternative to the long-standing plan to build a bridge in the area. The park would span multiple regions and be similar to the Cinque Terre National Park in Liguria.

The proposal is based on national laws for protected areas, with the aim of preserving the natural and historical significance of the diverse environments and habitats in the region. The park would also offer breathtaking views of Mount Etna and the Aeolian Islands.

Current regulations in Sicily and Calabria already provide some protection for the area. The Sicilian region has established a national protection zone (Zps) for the Monti Peloritani, Dorsale Curcuraci, Antennamare, and the marine area of the Strait of Messina. This designation is mainly due to the importance of bird migrations, particularly for the peregrine falcon, as well as the preservation of the Capo Peloro Lagoon, recognized as a nature reserve in 2001 and most threatened by the bridge construction. In Calabria, the Costa Viola is a special conservation zone (Zcs) that is rich in sites of interest, such as marine caves, which would also be negatively impacted by the bridge.

The proposed legislation calls for the establishment of the park in collaboration with the two regions, with the Ministry of Environment and Energy Security responsible for defining the provisional boundaries and necessary conservation measures. The legislation also aims to nullify the decree signed by Matteo Salvini for the construction of the bridge, along with any other regulations conflicting with the goals of the proposed law.

Europa Verde emphasizes the need to prioritize the restoration and modernization of existing infrastructure in the region, taking into account the well-being of the environment and local communities. According to Elisa Romano, a member of Europa Verde, the bridge does not address the needs of the people in Calabria, Sicily, or the South in general. The region faces more pressing issues, such as outdated water treatment facilities and inadequate infrastructure.

In conclusion, the proposal for a national park in the Strait of Messina and the Costa Viola offers an alternative vision for the region, focusing on the preservation of its natural beauty and cultural heritage, rather than the construction of a bridge.