EU project for Mediterranean lighthouses, 57 in Sardinia

Cagliari, San'Antioco, Asinara sustainable tourism pilot sites

(ANSAmed) - BRUSSELS, SEPTEMBER 2 - EU-funded MED-PHARES aims to promote and restore lighthouses in the Mediterranean to foster sustainable tourism. An estimated 57 active and inactive lighthouses are along the coasts of Sardinia alone, and - led by the Sardinia region's Conservatory of the Coasts - the project focuses on three pilot sites: the Sant'Elia lighthouse and semaphore in Cagliari; the Mangiabarche lighthouse and the Capo Sperone semaphore station on Sant'Antioco island; and the Punta Scorno lighthouse and semaphore station on Asinara island.

The project calls for a technical analysis and implementation of a plan to manage and promote the cultural value of nine pilot sites in Italy, France, Lebanon, and Tunisia, focusing on history, architecture, state of conservation, geological and geotechnical characteristics, and the socio-economic and cultural context. Promotional activities include the creation of an smartphone application and an e-book.

MED-PHARES will also conduct a census of all lighthouses and coastal buildings used for maritime signalling in the Italian regions Basilicata, Calabria, Campania, Lazio, Liguria, Puglia, Sicily, and Tuscany. The EU project, in collaboration with French, Lebanese, and Tunisian partners, is an extension to the international level of one by the Sardinia Conservatory of the Coasts and involves 15 areas of coastal conservation owned by regional governments. The total budget of MED-PHARES, which will end in December 2015, is almost two million euros, including 89% (1,770,460) in EU funds earmarked for cooperation projects with partner nations in the southern Mediterranean (ENPI).