An event titled “The Ports of Lazio. Blue Route, fishing and sustainability: a winning combination” was held at the Lazio Region's Stand, on the Sanità Pier in Gaeta, as part of the “Boat Days – Blu Expo” event. The meeting was promoted by the Lazio Region and Lazio Innova as an opportunity for discussion on the future of the sea, ports, and sustainable development of coastal territories.
During the event, which focused on the themes of the Blue Economy and the growth prospects linked to the regional maritime system, the speaker was: Antonio Di Rocco, Vice-President of ANCI Lazio, which has drawn attention to the strategic role of Municipalities in the enhancement of ports and coastal territories in Lazio.
In his speech, Di Rocco reiterated the importance of ANCI's actions in strengthening institutional dialogue between local authorities, Ministries and the Lazio Region, highlighting how constant engagement with supramunicipal levels represents an essential tool for providing concrete responses to local areas, especially in strategic sectors such as ports, fishing, tourism and environmental protection.
“We need shared governance,” he stressed, "capable of placing municipalities and their needs at the centre, fostering stable coordination between local administrations and regional and national institutions.".
A central part of the address concerned the training of local authority officials and staff, considered fundamental for enabling municipalities to more effectively address the new administrative and project challenges linked to the development of the Blue Economy and the sustainable management of coastal resources. Di Rocco highlighted how ANCI Lazio is committed to promoting professional development and growth pathways, indispensable for strengthening the administrative capacity of the territories.
During the debate, the announcement regarding the re-establishment of coastal municipalities' coordination was also reiterated, described as a strategic tool for promoting shared planning and stronger representation of the Lazio coast's needs. This coordination aims to strengthen collaboration between local administrations on issues of sustainability, the enhancement of maritime heritage, fishing, and sea-related economic development.
The mayor, Cristian Leccese, also took part in the meeting, highlighting the value of opportunities for discussion like the one hosted in Gaeta, a city increasingly at the centre of regional debate on maritime policies and the enhancement of coastal communities.
The event represented an important moment for dialogue between institutions, administrators, and sector operators, confirming the centrality of the port system and maritime policies in the development of Lazio and in strengthening territorial networks between coastal municipalities.