“Un sea to save” it is the commitment and at the same time the slogan thought up by various groups of citizens of Sferracavalloan ancient seaside village a few steps from Palermo, which are organizing an event for don’t give in to pollution from fecal colibacteria which for several weeks has been invading the beautiful stretch of sea ofCapo Gallo Marine Protected Area And Island of the Females, said “The Slides”.
A beautiful sea, but still contaminated
A place whose uncontaminated beauty usually gives life to fish, urchins, octopuses and algae of great environmental and naturalistic value, studied by marine biologists from all over the world and which has often earned the recognition of environmental associations.
But since last June one has been found contamination by Escherichia coli (with values above the permitted limit) which made it necessary toissuing of a “Bathing Ban” union ordinance. With serious damage to the life of marine flora and fauna, as well as the health of inhabitants and tourists.
A sea to save: the event on 16 September
This common commitment will materialize Saturday 16 September at 10.30am with a demonstration organized by various groups of local and regional citizens who took the situation to heart and took action to find a solution and bring the sea back to pristine conditions. Furthermore, as the organizers state, “a complaint has been filed with the prosecutor’s office and there are investigations underway to establish the causes of the pollution.”
Citizens and associations that protect the sea
The actors of the event are a full-bodied groupalso supported by national environmental associations: The Sferracavallo Permanent Citizens Committee, The Citizen Committee the Sea of SferracavalloL’Ciavolando AssociationThe Legambiente Mesogeo Clubthe LIPU – Italian Bird Protection LeagueL’OIPA Italy – International Animal Protection Organization, Plastic Free And The WWF Northern Sicily.
The polluted stretch of sea in Sferracavallo (Photo by Simone Aiello)
Sea pollution, enormous damage
As the organizers claim, «the demonstration is coming after 3 monthsor from the beginning of the summer season, of slow and insufficient responses from the competent bodies. Despite the reminders, today with the bathing season over, the pollution problem has not yet been resolved and the bathing ban persists”. The ordinance with which the Mayor ordered the bathing ban is in fact still in force.
A serious risk to health and the environment
The “sick” sea, contaminated by fecal colibacteria, constitutes a serious risk to the health of citizens as well as the environment. «All this has created a enormous damage to the environment and to health of citizens who live and frequent the village of Sferracavallo, to the many commercial activities and tourists. Sferracavallo is in a state of decay and abandonment. It is not tolerable, we need to change course”, conclude the organizers.
For INFO: Citizen Committee “the Sea of Sferracavallo” [email protected] [email protected] Sferracavallo Permanent Citizens Committee
iO Donna © ALL RIGHTS RESERVED