On March 12, 2024, Bill No. 63 was presented, a significant legislative initiative for the protection of the lake environment of Lake Garda. The bill, promoted by regional councilors Massardi, Corbetta, Scurati, and others, aims to introduce impactful measures to safeguard the fish biodiversity of the lake, which is severely threatened by the invasion of alien species.
The issue at the center of this legislative proposal concerns the accidental introduction of non-native organisms into Lake Garda, mainly through the hulls of motorboats. These species, originating from other water basins, have proven to be highly invasive and have had a negative impact on local fish populations, risking their extinction.
Bill No. 63 focuses on preventive measures, proposing mandatory sanitization of the hulls and engines of all boats coming from other water basins before accessing Lake Garda. This practice, aimed at eliminating any foreign organism attached to the boats, is considered essential to prevent further introductions of alien species.
To ensure the effectiveness of this measure, the bill also includes the introduction of administrative penalties in case of non-compliance with the new rules. Furthermore, the new provisions include specific guidelines for sanitization, indicating the approved methods and the authorized entities to issue the necessary certification.
It is important to note that the bill is part of a broader context of interregional coordination. Considering that Lake Garda is a basin shared with Veneto and the Autonomous Province of Trento, the legislative proposal foresees a joint modification of the environmental and navigation laws of the three regions involved, in line with the principle of uniform application.
The bill also stands out for its attention to financial sustainability. Article 4 of the bill specifies that the new rules will not entail new or additional burdens on public finances, a crucial aspect in an economic context attentive to the efficiency of public spending.
In conclusion, Bill No. 63 represents a significant step forward in protecting the ecosystem of Lake Garda. Through the prevention of the introduction of alien species and the promotion of sustainable navigation practices, this legislative initiative aims to preserve the natural heritage of the lake for future generations, while ensuring the environmental and financial sustainability of the activities related to it.
The full document: [link to the document]
The presentation: [link to the presentation]