by InTrieste
The regional government of Friuli Venezia Giulia has signed a new agreement aimed at enhancing maritime environmental surveillance. The memorandum of understanding, finalized on Wednesday in Trieste, brings together the regional administration, the Regional Environmental Protection Agency (Arpa FVG), and the Trieste Maritime Directorate—Port Authority—Coast Guard.
Under the agreement, the regional government will allocate €200,000 to the Maritime Directorate to acquire advanced monitoring equipment. Officials say the initiative is designed to improve oversight of the region’s marine environment, ensuring more effective control and conservation efforts.
“This protocol follows previous agreements with other law enforcement agencies to enhance environmental monitoring,” said Fabio Scoccimarro, the regional councillor for environmental protection. “A key aspect of this initiative is the exchange of information, which will improve efficiency, prevent redundant inspections, and reduce both public and private costs.”
The agreement also encourages cooperation between the signatory organizations, facilitating data sharing where legally permissible. Additionally, it promotes joint training initiatives to foster a shared understanding of environmental regulations and enforcement measures.
With the newly allocated funding, officials say the Maritime Directorate will be better equipped to assist the region in overseeing compliance with environmental regulations. The agreement also includes provisions aimed at preventing potential infiltration by organized crime into maritime activities.
Scoccimarro emphasized that the initiative carries both ecological and economic significance. “On one hand, we are protecting an ecosystem that must be preserved for future generations,” he said. “On the other, we are ensuring fairness for businesses that comply with environmental laws and invest in sustainable practices.”
The initiative aligns with broader regional efforts to strengthen environmental oversight and sustainability policies in the Adriatic Sea. It also reflects a growing trend in European governance, where regional authorities are taking on a more active role in environmental protection and regulatory enforcement.
