PROJECT DESCRIPTION
BACKGROUND
Wetlands are still often considered as unproductive and, therefore, reclaimed for agricultural use. Variation in water levels and a lack of buffer zones also threaten these areas. However, the loss of wetlands implies a loss of suitable resting sites for migratory birds, as well as valuable wintering, nesting and feeding areas for a variety of other bird species.
This project focuses on a Site of Community Importance (SCI), the ‘Wetlands of Capitanata.’ This site contains the Frattarolo Nature Reserve, the mouth of the Candelaro river and the Siponto coastal dunes. It is part of the most important area in southern Italy for water birds, and one of the most important in the wider Mediterranean basin.
As well as wetlands, the area also includes costal lagoons and Mediterranean salt steppes, which are also important for bird species during migration and wintering. They also provide breeding grounds for ferruginous duck (Aythya nyroca).
This project will be undertaken in close collaboration with the LIFE+ project, “Avifauna Del Lago Salso” (LIFE07 NAT/IT/000507).
OBJECTIVES
The ZONE UMIDE SIPONTINE project aims to achieve a global environmental restoration of the SCI, “Wetlands of Capitanata”. Specifically, it aims to improve the conservation status of priority wetland, coastal-dune, coastal-lagoon and Mediterranean salt-steppe habitats contained within the site, and provide associated benefits for bird species. The project will:
To reduce human impact on the priority habitats, the beneficiary will erect fences and build paths to control and direct tourists within the target area.
Indirectly, the project actions will help to boost the populations of many bird species, such as waterfowl, waders and raptors, including the pygmy cormorant (Phalacrocorax pygmeus), the great bittern (Botaurus stellaris), Lanner falcon (Falco biarmicus), red-footed falcon (Falco vespertinus) and lesser kestrel (Falco naumanni). Some of the other birds to benefit include priority species, such as the globally threatened slender-billed curlew (Numenius tenuirostris) and the near-threatened ferruginous duck (Aythya nyroca).
Expected results:
RESULTS
The LIFE UMIDE SIPONTINE project carried out conservation actions in the coastal wetlands of SCI Wetlands of Capitanata near the harbour town of Manfredonia in the province of Foggia in the Italian region of Puglia. Specifically, the project restored 40 ha of coastal lagoon (habitat 1150*) by re-establishing a humid area in a previously reclaimed zone, which increased the presence of migrating birds. It restored a further 110 ha by excavating about 7 300 m of canals. The restored habitat, which is rich in local vegetation, now hosts several bird species.
Additionally, coastal dunes with juniperus spp (2250*) were improved over a length of around 700 m on the right bank of the Candeloro river. The dunes here are also benefitting from the excavation of three retro-dunal ponds and the eradication of the invasive species, Carpobrotus sp.
Another key outcome was the marking out for protection of an area of 1 126 ha. Walkways were installed to prevent damage to the habitats while easing access to visitors: 265 m of wooden paths in the retro-dunal areas and 180 m of suspended walkways in the humid zones. An observation hut was also constructed along with two elevated observation terraces.
A website was developed (www.lifezoneumide.it) in Italian and English that provides information on the project’s aims and achievements. The site allows users to download some useful documents on the area and on the activities that were carried out. Visitors to the site can also download a comic book, Le paludi dell'imporatore, which was produced by the project to explain the ancient origins of the area. The project also produced a short video on the same theme.
Further information on the project can be found in the project's layman report (see "Read more" section).
