Italian towns approve trail restoration and beach cleanup projects

The municipal council of Forio, led by Mayor Stanislao Verde, approved a technical executive plan to secure and maintain the historic Santa Maria trail. The project, prepared by the technical office and signed by architect Nicola Regine, addresses stone wall erosion, collapses and vegetation overgrowth. Estimated costs total €148,477.49, including €106,478.84 for direct works and the remainder for contingencies, technical fees and taxes. The council clarified that the approval is provisional, intended to support applications for regional, state or metropolitan funding, without committing public expenditure.

In Siracusa, the local administration, represented by marine resources assessor Giuseppe Casella, reported nightly removal of posidonia seaweed on the Fontane Bianche beach to keep the shoreline clear, while noting that removal is prohibited at Ognina due to demanio protections. The stretch between the Sbarcadero Santa Lucia and the Monument to the Fallen remains officially non‑swimmable, but the municipality has initiated a re‑classification process following a favorable opinion from the regional ASP. A chain installed at the Sbarcadero serves as a deterrent rather than a barrier. Authorities are also seeking certification from Aretusacque confirming the absence of sewage discharges for the past three decades, and plan to open additional access routes via Via Iceta and Via Eveneto.