From August, cruise giants will no longer pass through the historic center of Venice. However, opponents of the large ships still see the lagoon in danger.
Rome / Venice – Following the ban on large cruise ships through parts of the Venice lagoon, activists have called for further action by the Italian government.
The new decree was a first important victory, but it was not enough, the citizens’ movement “No Grandi Navi” announced on Facebook on Wednesday. She announced that the fight against the big ships in the entire lagoon in northern Italy – also outside of the historic center of Venice – will continue.
According to a decision by the government in Rome on Tuesday evening, large cruise ships should no longer travel through the Canale della Giudecca, the Bacino di San Marco (St. Mark’s Basin) and the Canale di San Marco in the historic center from August 1st. The measure therefore affects, among other things, ships with a length of over 180 meters or more than 35 meters in height. It also applies to ships that exceed certain emission standards. The publication of the entire decree in the official gazette “Gazzetta Ufficiale” was initially outstanding.
Protection for world cultural heritage required
A few weeks ago, Unesco experts proposed putting Venice on a negative list for endangered world cultural heritage – among other things because of the cruise giants. For example, they asked for the ships to be diverted to more suitable ports. A decision on this could be made from mid-July.
Venice and its lagoon have been Unesco World Heritage since 1987. The ban that has now been imposed is merely a cosmetic change with which Rome is responding, commented Facebook users, including residents of Venice. According to critics, the giant ships destroy the lagoon, damage the foundations of the city and pollute the air.
The decision stipulates that ships that are considered sustainable or that did not fall under the criteria for the ban can continue to cross the lagoon. It has several small strips of land and islands and is largely separated from the open sea. There is also the historic old town of Venice with its tourist attractions. The government in Rome spoke of an important step in protecting the lagoon. Critics complained, however, that large ships could pass through in other ways and cause damage.
Just a cosmetic change?
As a temporary solution, the cruise ships are to switch to the port in Marghera, which is on the mainland and not in the historic center of Venice. Most freighters are currently docking in the industrial port. Infrastructure Minister Enrico Giovannini wants to spend 157 million euros on the jetties there. Activists from “No Grandi Navi” drew attention to the fact that Marghera was also part of the lagoon. They fear that the interim solution could become a permanent one.
The environmental protection organization Legambiente welcomed the government’s plan to first move the ships to the port of Marghera. “We have always been convinced that this would be the best choice in the transition phase.” However, the situation for the environment in the lagoon will not change significantly, the organization explained. Legambiente expects a better quality of life for the citizens and less pollution for the historical center.
Meanwhile, the port of Venice is looking for a solution for a permanent mooring outside the lagoon for the future with an ideas competition. A commission of experts wants to receive proposals for this in the next two years and examine them for their feasibility. The winning project should be determined by June 30, 2023. dpa
