Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Infrastructure and Transport, Matteo Salvini, made an unexpected visit to the official opening of the ECTs Network Meeting 2026, the European conference dedicated to sustainable tourism in protected areas. The meeting brought together institutions, organizations, professionals, and international organizations committed to building new models of relationships between tourism, the environment, and local communities in Porto Torres, at the headquarters of the Asinara National Park Authority. This was a chance to discuss the goals, themes, programs, and prospects of an event that will place Asinara and its surrounding territory at the center of a European debate on the island's future.
"I came to Porto Torres, where the Marine Protected Area and the Coast Guard are leading the charge in protecting the area, with approximately 2,000 interventions," said Meloni, a member of the Meloni government. "Regarding sustainable tourism, we have construction sites underway for over 1,200 kilometers of cycle paths in Italy's most beautiful locations, with several investments, including in Sardinia. Today I spoke with the president of the Port Authority, Domenico Bagalà, with whom we discussed the port and hinterland, where recreational boating and cruises can be developed. Regarding Asinara, we will try to find solutions to make this unique gem, with its incredible history, accessible."
His speech was delivered before the president and director of the Asinara National Park, Gian Luca Mureddu and Vittorio Gazale, and the mayors of Porto Torres, Stintino, and Castelsardo, Massimo Mulas, Rita Vallebella, and Maria Lucia Tirotto, respectively. Also in attendance were city councilor Ivan Cermelli, the prefect of Sassari, Grazia La Fauci, the regional councilor for environmental protection, Rosanna Laconi, the presidents of the Cinque Terre, Tuscan Archipelago, and Val Grande National Parks, Lorenzo Viviani, Matteo Arcenni, and Luigi Spadone, as well as other institutional representatives. From May 29th to 30th, the opening of the 20th edition of the Biodiversity Festival will take place in Stintino and the Asinara Park. Two days dedicated to the sea, ecosystems, research, and environmental protection, including conferences, meetings, scientific insights, and excursions to one of the most extraordinary places in the Mediterranean. The event will begin in Stintino at Le Tonnare, followed by a visit to the island, focusing on dialogue between local authorities, institutions, scholars, and communities, to reflect together on the future of biodiversity and the concrete need to protect it. Yesterday, for the first time in ten years, the Europarc Federation Board of Directors met in person on Asinara, the first of three days of meetings at the Royal Palace: three days of international exchange on visions, environmental protection, and the future of protected areas.
