SAVE THE MOUTH OF THE TAGLIAMENTO RIVER AT BIBIONE (Venice)

Of all the seaside resorts along the Adriatic coast BIBIONE
is the one with the most remarkable naturalistic value.
PHOTO 360°

conc.II rep. XII - SQ. S.M.A. n° 0037 - del 02/09/1993

The mouth of the Tagliamento River, or lighthouse area,
together with the Val Grande (lagoon) is certainly the most important owing to the multitude
of different environments:  the coastline, dunes, pine woods, retro-dunal depressions,
damp meadows, grasslands, hydrich woods, fluvial dunes and the damp area of the Revelino.
Here we find the most surprising FLORA and FAUNA resulting from the geografical position
which is under the influence of mediterranean, central european and balcan climates.

During the last Ice Age, which ended about 17,000 years ago, many species typical
of cold climates established themselves and managed to survive in tiny ecological niches.
The overlapping of climates has given rise to a unique mixture of mainly floristic species,
e.g. Apocino venetiana, the rosemary-leafed Willow, several species
of wild orchids and rare plants in danger of extinction.
Of particular importance is the Austrian Black Pine, notable example of antique climatic conditions.

 The faunistic presence  is particularly interesting by way of the HERMANN TORTOISE
and also because the area is on one of the main migration routes
(as is the whole of the Caorle lagoon) used by waterfowl in Spring  and Autumn.
THE ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLEX OF THE MOUTH OF THE TAGLIAMENTO RIVER
is considered the pride which qualifies Bibione, a legacy for all the population and, therefore,
to be conserved for themselves and the appreciation of turists.

Unfortunately, the Region of Veneto in agreement with the local Municipal Council is ready to approve
an urban planning (P.A.L.A.L.V.O - Plan of the Area of the Lagoon and the Area of the East Venetian Coast)
which is proposed with the finality of environmental protection, but which in reality anticipates:

· closure of the area to the north (up river) with a marina or harbour for 750 private boats and 110.000 cubic metres of adjacent buildings;
· closure of the area to the west (in front of the Lama di Revelino ( a natural inlet of sea water) with building for 293.000 cubic metres.
Moreover, the Tagliamento environment risks:
· the loss, within a very short time, of the dunes nearest the sea caused by the phenomenon of serious erosion already in act (from 1980 until today about 123 acres of dunes, pines and precious vegetation has disappeared)
· to have a camp site within it’s area;
It is, therefore, obvious that the intended erections with relative infrastructure
will dissect the whole Tagliamento complex, so destroying the ecosystem
which feeds and supports it, provoking  dismemberment and irreversable loss of identity.

The small island of Bibione (about 2,965 acres) already offers enormous daily tourist
receptivity (up to 200.000 people in one day) with 5 milion cubic metres
of  structures realized over the last 35 years.  The survival of the Tagliamento environment is,
today, quite miraculous and unique, therefore, the last thing Bibione needs is more concrete.
This is the moment to think of the future, requalify what already exists,
use appropriately and protect public ground and give full value to environmental  resources.
Bibione today still has the potential to aspire to recognition of environmental quality,  E.M.A.S.
(Eco-Management and Audit Scheme).  This pilot project is at european level and already
operating but to obtain quality recognition it is indispensable to move in the above-mentioned direction.

THE  WWF  REQUESTS  FOR  BIBIONE :

· The exclusion from P.A.L.A.L.V.O. of the proposed building close to the mouth of the Tagliamento River.
· The creation of a nature reserve which includes the whole environment complex of the mouth of the Tagliamento.
· Revision of the existing General Planning Regulations viewing all the areas of naturalistic interest to be subjected to protection
· Drastic reduction of new building with complete prohibition along  the 500 metres of coastline.
· Institution of the Regional Nature Park of the Caorle Lagoon, Bibione Valley and Pine wood.
· Acquisition of the Tagliamento area with eventual use of European Community Funds.
· Destination of the lighthouse as a museum for the history and nature of Bibione.
· Valuation from the point of view regarding tourism on a nature conservancy basis in the river mouth area and realisation of a nature walk route.

REQUESTS ALSO THAT LOCAL AUTHORITIES, REGION OF VENETO AND  WATER
AUTHORITIES MAKE MAXIMUM EFFORTS TO BRING IN FORCE ALL NECESSARY
MEASURES TO DEFEND THE AREA AROUND THE MOUTH OF THE TAGLIAMENTO
RIVER FROM THE MARINE EROSION ALREADY IN ACT.



PLEASE HELP US BY SENDING OUR APPEAL TO:

· MINISTRY FOR THE ENVIRONMENT   dir.gen@scn.minambiente.it
· REGION OF VENETO
presidente@regione.veneto.it presidenza@consiglio.regione.veneto.it  comcons2@consiglio.regione.veneto.it
· COMUNE OF SAN MICHELE AL TAGLIAMENTO  smichele@provincia.venezia.it
· MINISTRY FOR CULTURE    seggab@beniculturali.it
· PROVINCE OF VENICE   presidenza@provincia.venezia.it

The undersigned requests that from the area plan denominated P.A.L.A.L.V.O.,
which the Region of Veneto is ready to approve, are excluded all proposed constructions
in the vicinity of the Tagliamento mouth (403.000 cubic metres of erections and a marina of 750 berths)
and that the same plan protects the whole area for it’s enormous naturalistic value.

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