The Sicilian Region for the year 2024 has provided for a distribution of 250,000 euros in favor of the municipalities recognized as a plastic freein a clear increase compared to the 100,000 euros allocated in 2023. Last year, the regional funds were assigned to only two municipalities, Favara (Agrigento) and Roccalumera (Messina), who received 50,000 euros each to finance environmental interventions. In 2024, however, Sicily recorded an important leap forward, passing from 2 to 7 rewarded municipalities.
Each will be a contribution of 35,714.29 euros, to be used for the strengthening of the ecological actions already undertaken in the area. The common recipients of the regional contribution are Modica, in the province of Ragusa; Santa Teresa di Riva, in the province of Messina; Avola, in the province of Syracuse; Belpasso, in the province of Catania; Cefalù, in the province of Palermo; Castelvetrano, in the province of Trapani; And again Favara, in the province of Agrigento. All these local authorities have been awarded the common plastic free recognition for the year 2024, attributed by Plastic Free Onlus by virtue of the adoption of effective measures in reducing disposable plastic, in contrast to the abandonment of waste, in the promotion of responsible behavior and in the virtuous management of the waste cycle.
The allocation is part of a decree signed by the regional councilor for local autonomies, Andrea Messina, who assigns economic resources to the municipalities that have distinguished themselves for sustainability and environmental protection, within a wider commitment in the region to enhance the good administrative, tourist and social practices in the area. Plastic Free Onlus, an association promoting recognition, enthusiastically welcomes the decision of the Region. “This allocation represents an important turning point and demonstrates how the contrast to plastic can become a concrete political priority – declares Luca De Gaetano, founder and president of Plastic Free Onlus -. The Sicilian Region had the courage and vision of rewarding the administrations that act. It is a virtuous example that all other regions should follow ».