Puglia coastal communities protest private tourism resorts

Local groups in Puglia, Italy, organised protests against plans to fence off sections of the Adriatic coast for exclusive tourist resorts. In Ostuni, the “Camminare per conoscere” walk gathered environmental organisations, civic groups and volunteers to highlight the threat of speculative building that could limit public access and damage fragile ecosystems. The activist message echoed concerns raised about the proposed “authentic beach resort” on Costa Ripagnola, warning that commercial development that treats the sea as a commodity undermines the region’s natural heritage and the public’s right to enjoy it.

Participants called for stronger public infrastructure, sustainable mobility and protection of the coastline as a shared heritage rather than a privatised profit centre. They urged authorities to prioritise public access, environmental safeguards and community‑based tourism over exclusive, fenced‑off developments.