Sign our Petition

PETITION: Protect the Natural Heritage of Tenutella – Stop the Destruction of the Dunes!

To:

• Regional Department for Territory and Environment (Sicily Region)

• Municipal Administration of Butera / Gela

• Forestry Department of the Sicily Region

• State Maritime Property Office (Demanio Marittimo)

Why this Petition?

With great concern, we are observing increasing attempts to privatize and commercialize the collective heritage of the Tenutella Dune. Recent incidents show a dangerous dynamic: there have been attempts to illegally fence off protected dune areas and to destroy natural vegetation by setting fires to make room for agricultural monocultures (such as vineyards). Such actions are a direct attack on biodiversity and the nesting sites of these protected species.

Introduction and Ecological Value

The dune belt of Tenutella is much more than just a stretch of coastline; it is an ecosystem of invaluable biological and ecological worth. This area is an integral part of the European Natura 2000 network (the world's largest ecological network of protected areas) and is classified as a Site of Community Importance (SIC) to ensure the long-term conservation of natural habitats. 

Link: SITR Regione Siciliana

This area is a crucial sanctuary within bird protection zones for European migratory birds. It serves as a vital resting place and is home to many rare bird and plant species. Among others, the Hoopoe (Upupa epops), the Little Owl (Athene noctua), the Kentish Plover (Anarhynchus alexandrinus), and the Eurasian Stone-curlew (Burhinus oedicnemus) nest and live here. Due to this protected status, any ground alterations, fencing, or agricultural conversions are strictly prohibited or subject to a rigorous Appropriate Assessment (VIncA). 

Link: Stiftung Pro Artenvielfalt

Geographical Protection Function

Furthermore, we emphasize the geographical protection function of the dunes for the surrounding houses. The dune is the only natural barrier against advancing coastal erosion and severe storm surges. Any interference with the dune structure immediately endangers the stability and safety of the residential buildings located behind it. The destruction of the dune vegetation is an existential threat to the surrounding properties, as the natural protection against the sea is irretrievably lost.

Link: Copernicus Marine Service

Active Measures by the Association "La Duna Verde"

To counteract these dangers, our association "La Duna Verde" requests official permission from the competent authorities to stop the advancing erosion through targeted reforestation with site-typical dune vegetation. This includes the necessary authorization to access the affected private lands in order to professionally carry out these protective measures. We are ready to contribute actively to coastal protection and to strengthen this natural barrier.

Our Demands The association "La Duna Verde" calls upon the authorities for:

1. Permission for Reforestation and Access Rights: Granting of permission for the association to carry out erosion-control measures, including the right to access the necessary areas.

2. Active Monitoring via Video Technology: Installation or approval of video surveillance to effectively prevent and prosecute arson, illegal waste disposal, and unauthorized interference within the protected area.

3. Obligation of the Owner & Exclusion of Agricultural Zoning: The owner must be ordered to immediately remove illegally dumped waste, ensure that no new dumping occurs, and guarantee under all circumstances that no fires start on the premises. Simultaneously, we demand that the owner be denied any permit to convert the protected areas into an agricultural zone, in order to permanently exclude the destruction of the habitat by monocultures.

4. Compliance with Natura 2000 Guidelines: Consistent protection of rare flora and fauna from any agricultural use or transformation of the dune areas.

Sign now for the preservation of Tenutellas natural heritage: