A Reserve of Beauty: Ostia marks 30 years of the Roman Coastal Reserve

A Reserve of Beauty: 30 Years of the Roman Coastal Reserve

On Sunday 29 March from 15:00 the LIPU CHM Oasis in Ostia will host a public, free event organized by environmental associations to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Riserva Naturale Statale del Litorale Romano. The gathering combines celebration, information and discussion about the future of one of Lazio’s largest and most sensitive natural areas.

Established in 1996 and covering roughly 16,000 hectares between Rome and Fiumicino, the Reserve includes coastal dunes, beaches, wet woodlands, agricultural areas and archaeological sites — a mosaic that needs shared protection and effective management strategies.

Event goals

The initiative pursues two main objectives: to acknowledge the Reserve’s environmental and historical value and to push for concrete measures that strengthen protection through collaborative governance involving institutions, NGOs and local communities.

Program highlights

• Opening remarks coordinated by Anna Longo and M. Gabriella Villani.
• Key contributions on nature conservation, legal history and local advocacy from scientists, jurists and researchers.
• Technical sessions on sustainable agriculture and territorial monitoring.
• Discussions on environmental education, quality of life and proposals for future Reserve management.
• Artistic elements such as photographic projections and illustrative works inspired by the coastal landscape.
• Social break (16:45) followed by a closing toast with tastings of local, kilometer-zero products, highlighting the link between environmental protection and local agriculture.

Organization and attendees

The event is promoted by several organizations active along the coast and will include representatives from municipal administrations and the Reserve Commission. The format aims to merge celebration with concrete proposals for enhanced protection and participatory management.

Practical information

• Date & time: Sunday 29 March 2026, 15:00 (free entry).
• Location: Visitor Centre, LIPU CHM Oasis, Ostia.
• Tips: use sustainable transport where possible; recommended for those interested in nature, land protection and local agricultural practices.

Attending is a way to support conservation of a valuable coastal landscape: an opportunity to learn, contribute ideas and strengthen the connection between communities and nature.