Santa Giusta, workers are working to "save" the grove: naturalistic engineering works to halt coastal erosion.

The risk was that of destroying the "boschetto," the eucalyptus grove located at the edge of town, near road 131, where the municipality has always organized all its events, including the traditional "Regata dei Fassonis."

It is a historic site and a symbol of the town, as well as a Site of Community Interest and home to many bird species. In recent years, the waters of the pond, which sits directly behind this enormous green space, have eroded approximately ten meters of land. Fortunately, however, workers are now working to save what can be saved, thanks to various naturalistic engineering works. A major coastal erosion protection and environmental redevelopment project began a few days ago.

All of this is possible thanks to regional funding, obtained by the Municipality in 2022, totaling €250,000. This sum has been earmarked by the administrators for securing the line. Due to the site's high environmental protection status, the planning and tender process for the project took three years, with authorizations from numerous agencies required. The project was designed by Criteria, the same company that handled the safety measures at the Su Pallosu marina. As stated in the extensive project report, "the project aims to consolidate the inner bank of the Santa Giusta lagoon, which is subject to erosion, through interventions designed to maintain the site's high level of natural beauty while providing adequate protection from ongoing erosion."

Coconut fiber rollers are being installed to consolidate and reinforce a stretch of coastline. These low-impact works, made with natural materials, ensure good durability and allow for the spontaneous growth of local vegetation. Installation of a wooden fence is also underway, with the internal space filled with quarry aggregates. A fenced area is also planned to limit pedestrian traffic. Finally, information panels will be installed to inform users of the precautions to be followed when walking through highly sensitive areas.

"It's true, three years have passed, but unfortunately when it comes to sensitive areas, the process is always very long," explains Public Works Councilor Pier Paolo Erbì. "But fortunately, we're here; the risk of losing a significant portion of the land had become high. Three years ago, we administrators showed up at the Environment Department offices to explain the urgent need for funding. Once we received it, we began the planning process." But that's not all: "We're already ready to apply for another million euros in funding," Erbì announces, "to safeguard the other part of what we call the gulf, the area to the north. Also because, as is well known, the water is causing significant damage here too."