In a joint press release, the civic associations of Lake Bolsena expressed their strong opposition to the powerboat race “Cento Miglia del Lago di Bolsena”. The event, organised by the Italian Naval League, Marta section, is scheduled to take place over 3 days from July 1-3, with up to a hundred pilots and powerful motorboats “whizzing at full speed” across the lake between Capodimonte, Marta, Montefiascone and Isola Martana.

In order to assess the possible impact of the event, the associations signing the press release contacted the public bodies responsible for the necessary assessments and authorisations. They replied promptly, stating that no documentation or request has yet been submitted for this event.

The impact of such an event on the lake and its ecosystem would be serious. There is the risk of water pollution by hydrocarbons as well as disturbance to lake species and habitats which are Natura 2000 sites, protected by European and national legislation. In addition, in these times of global ecosystem degradation, times in which the priority is to protect the environment, an event such as this is at the very least anachronistic.

All the mayors of the lake have declared their opposition to the event, and for good reasons. They have fought for the rehabilitation of the sewage system to protect the lake, they have joined the biodistrict to safeguard the environment and to promote sustainable tourism and economy: why should they now tolerate an event that ridicules these efforts?