La Maddalena protects itself with love, new rules are introduced to protect the archipelago

The La Maddalena archipelago is a treasure, a natural heritage of rare beauty and for this reason it is a duty of the Sardinia region to protect it. To deal with the increasingly visible effects of uncontrolled tourism, the Park Authority is deciding to introduce some new regulations intended to govern access to the beaches and the use of the spaces. The document will be made official on May 22nd around 10:30 and aims to reconcile environmental protection with the needs of the tourism sector. Some indiscretions have already leaked out.

The new rules of the La Maddalena archipelago

There are several points discussed to protect the archipelago of La Maddalena . One of the first concerns the ban on consuming food on the beaches . The objective is strictly connected to reducing the abandonment of waste that often escapes control. Even small scraps create an imbalance in the environment trying to limit the presence of wild boars that are increasingly numerous and uncontrolled in the area. No to food on the beach, therefore: the step is decisive to protect the coastal and marine habitat.

Another prohibition will be not being able to sit directly on the sand . Everyone will have to use beach towels or mats. The goal in this case is to counteract erosion and the dispersion of sand aggravated by direct trampling. Although our path may seem insignificant, made by thousands of bathers every day it has significant effects.

The plan includes greater involvement by tourism operators who will become ambassadors of the rules. The shared approach represents a change: not a network of prohibitions imposed from above but a mission of heritage protection that unites everyone.

The protection objectives

We are therefore moving towards a more conscious use of spaces, so as not to limit the park by prohibiting access but by trying to request a more respectful and protective attitude. In an interview with L'Unione Sarda, Giulio Plastina, director of the Park Authority, declared: "A document is ready containing the common lines of action that aim to contribute to environmental protection and sustainable use of the protected area". The signing is officially scheduled for Thursday 22 May at 10:30 at the headquarters of the Park Authority. From the ban on eating on the beach to reduce organic waste to the obligation to use beach towels and mats: these are the main differences that will affect the use of the archipelago by tourists.

One of the most significant activities will be to try to counteract the spread of wild boars ever closer to the beaches, especially on the island of Spargi. The protection does not only concern the environment and biodiversity but also the tourists themselves who, thanks to these initiatives, will not suffer episodes of aggression as instead happened in the past due to the presence of food that attracted wild animals.

The document expected in a few hours represents a real balance between the economic needs of the territory and the urgent need to protect one of the most precious marine environments in Italy and the Sardinia region. Simple rules, not excessively impactful in the daily life of travellers but which can make a difference by aiming for a sustainable future for the archipelago without giving up tourism.