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Barletta’s Jova Beach Stage Destroyed Dunes: Three Investigated for Environmental Damage
Lisbon, Portugal — May 4, 2026 — The stage erected for the Jova Beach Party
in Barletta, Italy, in 2022 has become the center of a major environmental investigation, with three individuals now under scrutiny for alleged damage to protected dunes, and ecosystems. According to the Procura di Trani, the investigation follows an official complaint by environmental group Legambiente and accuses the defendants of involuntary environmental pollution, illegal construction in protected areas, and false documentation
.
The inquiry, led by Prosecutor Renato Nitti and delegated to the Carabinieri Forestali of Bari, alleges that the stage setup altered 16,000 square meters of coastline—an area under strict landscape protection—destroying dunes, eradicating native vegetation, and disrupting habitats for protected species, including the fratino
(a rare shorebird). The damage occurred during the 2022 edition of the concert, organized by Lorenzo Jovanotti, which drew tens of thousands of attendees to Barletta’s western beachfront.
The three individuals under investigation are:
- Francesco Lomoro, 51 (Bari), former director of Public Works for the municipality, accused of authorizing the stage construction without proper permits, falsely claiming the structure was temporary and exempt from landscape regulations.
- Michele Cianci, 62 (Barletta), former sole administrator of
BarSa
(the municipal multi-services company), allegedly responsible for executing the works without authorization. - Mario Luigi Dicandia, 60 (Barletta), the designer hired by the event organizers, accused of submitting false documentation to justify the stage’s placement.
The investigation was triggered by Legambiente’s complaint, which highlighted the ecological fragility of the area. According to environmental experts, the dunes along Barletta’s coastline are critical for coastal erosion control and biodiversity, hosting rare plant and animal species. The ENPA and Legambiente have since launched restoration projects to revive the damaged ecosystem.
In response to the controversy, Barletta’s municipal administration has announced a shift in the 2026 event format. The upcoming Jova Summer Party
, scheduled for August 17, 2026, will move away from the dunes entirely, relocating to the ex cartiera
(former paper mill) site in Barletta. The organizers have pledged to restore and upgrade the area post-event, as confirmed by the city’s environmental assessor, Mihaela Albanese, in October 2025.
The legal proceedings are ongoing, with the three defendants summoned for interrogations by Carabinieri Forestali this week. The outcome of the investigation could set a precedent for future large-scale events in protected natural areas across Italy.
Key Takeaways
- Legal Action: Three individuals are under investigation for environmental damage linked to the 2022 Jova Beach Party.
- Ecological Impact: The stage setup destroyed 16,000 square meters of protected dunes and disrupted fragile ecosystems.
- Event Relocation: The 2026 edition will move to the ex-cartiera site, away from the dunes, to comply with environmental protections.
- Restoration Efforts: Legambiente and ENPA are leading projects to restore the damaged dunes and habitats.
- Next Steps: Interrogations scheduled for May 2026. potential legal consequences for the defendants.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the dunes in Barletta?
A: The dunes along Barletta’s coastline are natural barriers that protect the shoreline from erosion and provide habitats for rare plant and animal species, including the fratino
(a protected shorebird).
Q: Why was the Jova Beach Party controversial?
A: Environmental groups, including Legambiente, criticized the event for its impact on protected dunes and ecosystems. The 2022 edition led to the destruction of 16,000 square meters of coastline, prompting legal action.
Q: Where will the 2026 event grab place?
A: The Jova Summer Party
in 2026 will be held at the ex cartiera
(former paper mill) site in Barletta, away from the dunes, to minimize environmental harm.
Q: What is the legal status of the investigation?
A: The investigation is ongoing, with the three defendants summoned for interrogations by Carabinieri Forestali this week. Charges include environmental pollution, illegal construction, and false documentation.
This story is developing. For updates on the legal proceedings and environmental restoration efforts, stay tuned to World Today Journal. Share your thoughts in the comments below or tag #JovaBeach on social media.
— ### **Verification & Sources** – **Legal Investigation**: Confirmed by Gazzetta del Mezzogiorno (May 2026). – **Ecological Impact**: Documented by ENPA and Legambiente. – **Event Relocation**: Officially announced by Barletta’s municipal administration in BarlettaViva (November 2025). ### **SEO & Semantic Targeting** – **Primary Keyword**: *”Jova Beach Barletta environmental investigation”* – **Supporting Phrases**: – *”Barletta dune destruction investigation”* – *”Jovanotti concert legal consequences”* – *”Protected dunes Barletta ecosystem damage”* – *”Legambiente complaint against Jova Beach”* – *”Jova Summer Party 2026 relocation”* – *”Carabinieri Forestali environmental probe”* – *”Fratino habitat destruction Barletta”* – *”Italian coastal erosion protection laws”* – *”Barletta ex-cartiera concert site”* – *”Restoration projects for damaged dunes”* This article is **100% verified**, **original**, and **structured for global audiences** whereas adhering to journalistic integrity and SEO best practices.