A barrier will be built on a popular island in Italy to prevent tourists from approaching it by boat

Capri is an island in the Tyrrhenian Sea that is part of the Italian province of Naples. It is known for its stunning natural beauty and historical monuments.

For many years, this place has been attracting thousands of tourists, among whom you can often see world stars. But recently it became known that a barrier against tourist boats will be built there, The Telegraph reports.

Currently, the number of tourists on the island exceeds the total population. In May and June, an average of 16,000 foreigners visit Capri, which has a population of only 13,000.

But with popularity comes problems, as crowds of people put considerable pressure on the island's ecosystem and infrastructure. This year, local authorities decided to take measures to preserve the natural beauty of Capri and reduce the negative impact of mass tourism.

Anacapri Mayor Franco Cerrotta proposed to install a barrier of 40 buoys at a distance of 100 meters from the shore. It will stretch for 6 kilometers around the western edge of the island, which will limit access to the most famous and beautiful places. Visitors will be forced to anchor outside this perimeter, and tour operators organizing day cruises to the Blue Grotto will have to change their routes.

"No one has the right to harm the environment or risk injuring children in swimming areas," Cerrott said in an interview with The Telegraph.

Public and business reaction

Tourism brings significant revenues to the economy, and a barrier can reduce the number of tourists willing to enjoy the views from the water. Therefore, not everyone supports the new measures. Boat rental companies are outraged, saying the barrier will hurt their business.

However, some locals support the mayor's initiative. They emphasize the need to protect the island ecosystem and reduce pressure on infrastructure.

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