Sirmione’s Blue Flag: Environmental Gains and $200 Billion Risks
Two hundred billion, lira more or less. That is how much the loss of a European Blue Flag at the location that held it could cost. Because while it is true that Sirmione is legitimately celebrating this extraordinary event, it is also true that the town on Lake Garda must now be very careful not to let it slip away.
Inspections and economic risks
Experts and analysts from the Federazione europea per l’ambiente (European Federation for the Environment) can carry out checks at any time to determine whether the set of parameters that led to the award of the “trophy” is still intact. The element of surprise, as explained by an expert, is lethal. Famous locations like Capri, Taormina, and Ischia know this all too well.
The origin of the potential economic damage
And where does the potential “deficit” of 200 billion originate? Simple. Imagine the widespread media coverage of the Blue Flag awarded to Sirmione. Especially among foreign tourists, who are highly sensitive to this type of news. But also among Italians, who in recent years have become more environmentally conscious.
Visitor numbers, arrivals, promotional services, press and television investigations, reports from foreign magazines, advertising, and a very strong new image—this is where the 200 billion estimate from experts at the Fondazione europea (European Foundation) comes from.
Dissemination of environmental news and forecasts
That environmental news and weather forecasts are increasingly in demand online is demonstrated by the numerous contacts that the website ” Sirmione&gardanefcit ” has been experiencing for at least three years. In fact, visitors can access forecasts for the southern Lake Garda area thanks to weather bulletins prepared by the Centro di rilevamento ambientale di Sirmione (Environmental Monitoring Center of Sirmione), directed by Eugenio Zilioli.
Every three days, the CRA publishes a bulletin with water temperature, air temperature, humidity levels, short- and medium-term forecasts. Two thousand copies of this bulletin are distributed within a few hours to hotels, businesses, tourism agencies, thermal centers, and rental companies. It is the first example of its kind in our province.
Municipal actions for environmental protection
The Municipality itself will not let this new achievement slip away. The assessore Giordano Signori confidently states: “The council invested one billion lire last year in the electrification of vehicles in the historic center. Another billion will be invested this year. We also received half of the funding from the Region for the purchase of a modern electric bus.
Furthermore, we will pay close attention to urban furniture in the city center and maintaining the beaches. The project for completing the sewer system in Brema is progressing. And in 15 days, the biggest news: a strict ban on mopeds will come into effect in the historic center. Access will be allowed only for electric scooters.”
And for those who cannot due to work commitments (for example), “no problem. We have reached an agreement with the company that owns the electric trains carrying tourists to the Grottoes: a small convoy will be made available to transport interested visitors and workers within the center. This means we are gradually moving toward complete pedestrianization of the historic center.”
Sustainable Mobility Plan
In short, the plan launched by the previous Arduino administration was immediately renewed by Mayor Maurizio Ferrari: after electric scooters, electric vehicles for goods transportation and waste collection have started to circulate. Now, it is the turn of electric buses.
Last but not least: the restriction of cars arriving at Colombare, with consequent rerouting to parking areas in the zone when the Monte Baldo parking lot is full—it is a key measure to remember.