Italy to fight roadside prostitution in Abruzzo region by cutting down trees

The new plan to fight prostitution in Central Italy has outraged environmental organizations. Italy plans to use deforestation to combat the growing number of prostitutes working near the Tronto River. A census conducted at the beginning of this month revealed that there are almost six hundred prostitutes working on the Bonifica del Tronto road near the Tronto River. Most of the prostitutes are Nigerian, however some are Romanian, Brazilian, Albanian, and Chinese. The road is a well known stretch of land for the sex trade industry and there plans are to make it so that there is no where in this area to hide from authorities while performing sexual acts. For decades, local law enforcement and politicians have fought to fix the problem. Cameras have been installed, raids have been executed, and fines have been imposed on anyone participating in the acts of sexual deviance. Twenty- four hour patrol of the area has also been implemented. The regional government's public works chief, Angelo Di Paolo announced it was now time to take drastic measures. The plan is to cut down all the trees and vegetation in the area that shelter prostitutes and sex slaves. However, environmental groups such as the WWF are outraged that sixty-nine acres of land will be destroyed. The environmentalist pointed out that the trees absorb thousands of tonnes of carbon dioxide and give precious oxygen. They also state that the trees near the Tronto River prevent fertilisers, pesticides, and insecticides from draining into the river.

This issue relates to the growing number of prostitution rings all over the world, as well as to the increasing problem of human trafficking. Large numbers of women are being captured and forced into the sex trade industry. The numbers continue to grow daily so I understand that these measures are being taken for good reason. It amuses me that people are more concerned about the life of a tree rather than the lives of these women being sold and traded like cattle. I realize that some of these women working along the river exploit their own bodies by choice, but what about those who do not choose to participate in acts of sexual deviance? Should they continue to suffer because environmental groups are trying to save the ecosystem? I wish it would not come down to having to take such drastic measure to stop prostitution, but if it prevents young women from being forced into the sex trade industry; well, I'm all for it.

http://www.u.tv/news/Italy-to-fight-roadside-prostitution-in-Abruzzo-region-by-cutting-down-trees.html