The WWF has proposed an unusual initiative for the historic boat Zia Lalla, moored in the old port of Desenzano del Garda. Paolo Zanollo, local representative of the WWF, has launched a petition on change.org to deliberately sink the boat and transform it into a refuge for fish. The Zia Lalla, an Austro-Hungarian mine-clearing tugboat dating back to World War I, was seized 13 years ago and needs to vacate the current berth, which will be allocated to the Coast Guard.
Zanollo argues that sinking the Zia Lalla would create a beneficial artificial habitat for lake biodiversity. Prior to sinking, the boat would be cleaned of any polluting elements. According to recent studies cited by Zanollo, submerged wrecks promote the proliferation of marine life and can become themed underwater parks and fish restocking areas. This proposal represents an innovative solution to preserve the historical value of the Zia Lalla and positively contribute to the ecosystem of Lake Garda.
Italian Version
