The sea turtle recovery center in Linosa, managed by the CTS, was hit by an arson attack. A lot of equipment was destroyed in the flames, for a value of 50 thousand euros. But, fortunately, there were neither people nor turtles in hospital inside, which more and more often are recovered in the waters of the island because they are in need of care.
He is about to end up run over, his mother saves him
Has been hit by an arson attack the sea turtle recovery center in Linosa, managed by the CTS. A lot of equipment was destroyed in the flames, for a value of 50 thousand euros. But, fortunately, there were neither people nor turtles in hospital inside, which more and more often are recovered in the waters of the island because they are in need of care.
The Center set on fire, established in 1995, up to date it has saved 1000 specimens. "There are dozens of turtle mothers who in recent years, thanks to the assistance of biologists and volunteers from CTS and the Hydrosphera association, have been able to lay their eggs in peace and thousands of little ones who have taken off under the protection of volunteers ", explains the center, which addresses the Region of Sicily and the Ministry of the Environment for aid for reconstruction.
"It is a hard blow for this structure - comments Stefano Di Marco National Vice President of CTS - but above all for the turtles that with the approach of the summer season they are often victims of accidental catches and collision with pleasure boats. We certainly do not allow ourselves to be intimidated by these cowards. We will rebuild the place that for many years has helped sea turtles to return to the sea, also returning it to the inhabitants of Linosa who have always collaborated with enthusiasm ".
And the mayor of Lampedusa and Linosa, Giusy Nicolini, did not hesitate to respond to the appeal: "we will be alongside CTS and Hydrosphera to restore recovery activities as soon as possible. It is a serious blow not only for the turtles but for the image of Linosa and its inhabitants who have built their identity on the island on the turtle that every year attracts thousands of visitors in support of the local economy as well ".
Vittorio Cogliati Dezza, president of Legambiente, expressing solidarity with the CTS, spoke of "Coward act", which hit "an important nature conservation center such as the recovery center for sea turtles in Linosa, just before its opening for the summer season". "We will take action to restore the center, with whom we have collaborated for many years, so that it can resume its activity as soon as possible to protect the Caretta Caretta ”, assures the President.
What can we do: those who want to contribute can make a donation to Banca Prossima, IBAN IT5960335901600100000009530, with reason for Reconstruction of the Linosa recovery center
Roberta Ragni
