Small islands such as Bacan in Venice, traditionally formed in summer and destroyed by winter storms
For centuries, the warm waters and sandy shores of the Venetian lagoon have attracted tourists from all over the world. Now, locals and visitors alike have discovered a new treasure: Bakan Island. This small sandy islet, once only visible in the summer, remains above water as of 2020, thanks to the MOSE Dam.
The ecological challenge – Experts are divided
The MOSE damdesigned to protect Venice from rising seas and storms, has unexpectedly stabilized the Baccan. The island, which counts 250 meters long and 10 meters wideis now covered in dense vegetation, including salt grasses, reeds and tamarisk trees, which tolerate the salt. From a seasonal retreat, Bakan has now become a year-round fixture for residents, especially of the Castello area.
But while Baccan’s transformation is being celebrated by many, some experts warn that its growth could signal worrying changes to Venice’s delicate ecosystem. Small islands like Bakan were traditionally formed in the summer and were disappearing from the winter storms. With the MOSE Dam, these storms no longer keep pace, allowing the Bakken to stabilize and grow. Giovanni Cecconi, an engineer on the MOSE project, believes the dam’s effect on ocean currents helped bring more sand in, boosting Bakan’s growth.
Not all experts agree. Professor Andrea D’Alpos from the University of Padua argues that the formation of Baccan began before the dam is activated in 2020. In his view, the development of the island is the result of a combination of natural processes and not just human intervention. Also, while the new Bakan ecosystem is a positive, the MOSE Dam blocks the tides that feed the vital Venetian salt flats. These salt flats, which play a critical role in storing CO2 and preventing flooding, depend on these tides to get essential nutrients. Without them, their survival is at risk.
While Bakan may offer a new outlet for Venetians, its growth could be an indication greater ecological changes which threaten the balance of the lagoon. The MOSE Dam has undoubtedly helped protect the city, but its long-term effects on the lagoon environment remain unclear. Bakan’s future remains uncertain and its development raises questions about the complex relationship between human intervention and nature’s resilience.
Source: Skai
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