By Maria Elena De Matteo‍

This article is based on a transcribed interview with Davide Virzi, Director of the MPA Isola di Bergeggi. It has been lightly edited for clarity and flow.

Nestled on the Ligurian coast, the Marine Protected Area (MPA) of Isola di Bergeggi spans just 2 km², making it one of Italy’s smallest. Only Miramare, in Friuli Venezia Giulia, and Gaiola in Campania are smaller.

Despite its size, Bergeggi’s MPA is a biodiversity hotspot and a unique example of what local commitment, scientific collaboration, and steady management can achieve over time.

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A Community-Driven MPA

The MPA was officially established in the mid-2000s, not through top-down policy, but thanks to a push from the community itself. A local council member, described as particularly forward-thinking, played a crucial role in gathering support for its creation.

Bergeggi is a small municipality that brings both simplicity and strength to its governance model. Being “monocomunale” (i.e. managed by a single municipality) means easier communication and a stronger sense of ownership among locals. Over time, the MPA has become a source of pride for the town. Residents remain vigilant — if they notice something unusual happening along the coast, the director often receives a direct call.

Though the MPA has no full-time staff beyond its director (a municipal employee on a fixed-term contract), it benefits from the support of a scholarship holder and the active involvement of other municipal offices like public works and the environmental department. The MPA also collaborates with scientific institutions such as the University of Genoa and the “Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn (SZN)”.

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Strength in Local Networks

The community’s role goes far beyond observation. Operators from nearby towns, local cooperatives, and service providers are all engaged in supporting the MPA’s mission. Some even offer services like trail maintenance and guided excursions.

Working relationships have been built across the board, from local economic actors to the fishing community. While occasional disagreements exist — particularly with recreational fishers — they are relatively minimal compared to other MPAs. Professional fishers, meanwhile, often show strong alignment with conservation efforts and are used to respecting regulations.

In 2023, the MPA conducted a monitoring project on professional fishing and surveyed local fishers. The result? Unanimous agreement on expanding the protected area.

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Navigating External Pressures

Proximity to industrial development remains one of the MPA’s greatest challenges. Bergeggi lies just next to the port of Vado, making it Italy’s closest MPA to a major industrial site. A recent case in point: the proposed offshore installation of a regasification terminal by SNAM (an energy infrastructure company). The regional council has voted against the project, but final decisions rest with the national government.

Meanwhile, a different kind of pressure builds each summer. Over 40% of the town’s beaches are freely accessible, and mass tourism is straining civic behaviour. Illegal camping, littering, and overuse have become recurring problems. While local clean-up initiatives have taken place, new strategies will be needed moving forward.

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Clean Economy, Conscious Tourism

Bergeggi has embraced sustainable, low-impact tourism. With just three hotels, several B&Bs, and holiday homes, the local economy focuses on quality over quantity. Over time, both the visibility and property value of the area have increased — a trend observed in many protected areas across Italy.

Visitors often arrive with snorkels, kayaks, and curiosity — seeking experiences over consumption. A cornerstone of this shift is the Sentiero Blu, or “Blue Trail”: a series of buoys 200 metres from the shore, forming a protected corridor for swimmers, paddlers, and divers. Motorboats are prohibited inside the trail, making it a safer and quieter space for nature lovers.

Since its launch in 2021, the Blue Trail has boosted local business, with many establishments offering rentals, lessons, and guided tours. Though the trail costs around €10,000–15,000 annually to maintain, its benefits are seen as well worth the investment — a prime example of an economy that protects, not depletes.

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Innovation Underwater

One of the MPA’s standout features is its underwater livestream camera, the only one of its kind in Italy. It broadcasts real-time footage of the seabed on YouTube, as well as on a giant screen at the Genoa Aquarium and in local institutions. The system, currently under repair, also serves as a valuable scientific monitoring tool and highlights species that thrive specifically within the protected area.

Another point of pride? The MPA has a strong relationship with the local coast guard. Unlike many regions where collaboration is limited, Bergeggi’s officers carry out daily patrols and respond promptly to any alerts from the director’s team.

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A Model That Works — But Must Be Protected

The success of Bergeggi’s MPA is a reminder that even small-scale efforts can generate a big impact when supported by clear governance, community engagement, and a long-term vision.

Still, this success is fragile. Changes in political leadership, infrastructure threats, and rising tourism pressures mean that ongoing vigilance is essential.

What sets Bergeggi apart is the fabric of collaboration that holds it all together, a community that doesn’t just use the sea, but actively protects it.

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