Italy manages tourism shifts and major groundwater discovery

Italy is addressing various environmental and tourism challenges across different regions. In Rome, Mayor Gualtieri has signed a decree allowing beach resorts in Ostia to operate year-round. This initiative aims to transform the coast into a winter destination through activities such as volleyball, cultural presentations, and gastronomy, providing greater economic stability for workers.

In the Dolomites, the Lago di Sorapis is facing significant pressure from mass tourism. Up to 3,000 visitors arrive daily during peak months, leading to issues with litter, noise, and overcrowding on narrow paths. Local hut keepers report substantial amounts of waste, including plastic and glass, while discussions regarding visitor quotas are underway to protect the natural site.

Meanwhile, researchers participating in the EU-funded Swamrisk project have discovered a massive underground freshwater reservoir in the Veneto region. Spanning approximately 30,000 hectares—an area comparable to Lake Garda—the reservoir lies between Buoro and Punta Gorzone. Protected by thick clay layers, this deep groundwater source could serve as a vital reserve against increasing drought and saltwater intrusion in the coastal landscape.