venice bans ships
The Italian government has affirmed the decision to ban cruise ships from the Venice lagoon beginning August 1. It was hailed by UNESCO as “very good news and an important step that significantly contributes to the safeguarding of this unique heritage site.” The nearby industrial port of Marghera has been readied as the alternative docking point. The government confirmed that it will compensate firms and workers hit by the ban. With a total of 55, Italy has the greatest number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the world. Apparently, the recent pressure by UNESCO carried some weight in the Italian Parliament. UNESCO had previously stated that Venice’s survival would be at peril if the lagoon city did not issue a permanent ban on cruise ships docking there.
