Sicily's Iblei National Park plan faces CNA opposition over economic and social impacts

A recent ruling by the TAR of Catania requires the Sicilian Region to formalise the Parco Nazionale degli Iblei within 180 days, with the risk of a commissariat if the deadline is missed.

The Confederazione Nazionale dell'Artigianato (CNA) of Siracusa, led by president Rosanna Magnano, warns that the proposed park perimeter was drawn without genuine consultation with local producers. CNA argues the plan could cause not only economic losses but also social and identity damage to the 35 municipalities that would fall under the new restrictions.

Magnano stresses that the current outline ignores alternative “reticolare” proposals developed by the Union of Valle degli Iblei municipalities, the Siracusa Chamber of Commerce and other sector organisations, which aim to balance environmental protection with high‑quality agriculture, livestock, heritage and artisan activities. The CNA calls on the regional authorities to incorporate the needs of micro‑ and small‑enterprise sectors, provide compensatory measures and adopt a sustainable development approach rather than imposing blanket constraints.