Ascea implements eco-friendly lighting to protect sea turtle nesting

A new eco-friendly lighting system has been implemented in Marina di Ascea, specifically along the Scogliera coast, to protect the nesting habitats of the Caretta caretta sea turtle. The project aims to reduce light pollution, which negatively impacts the species during egg-laying and hatching, while maintaining safety for public spaces and coastal users.

The initiative is part of the European Union’s LIFE TURTLENEST project, coordinated by Legambiente with scientific support from the Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn and institutional partnership from the Campania Region. Other contributors include the Municipality of Ascea and the Cilento, Vallo di Diano and Alburni National Park.

The lighting upgrades began during the summer with beach establishments and have since expanded to public roads and a new pedestrian-cycle path. To mark the official inauguration on October 22, 2026, two rehabilitated sea turtles equipped with satellite transmitters will be released into the sea to monitor their movements.