PROJECT DESCRIPTION
BACKGROUND
Declining biodiversity is a major environmental problem everywhere, including in developed regions of Europe such as the densely-populated region of Lombardy (Italy). Habitat loss and fragmentation are the primary cause of biodiversity decline. To mitigate this biodiversity loss, Lombardy has identified and studied the functionality of critical ecological corridors, and the possibility of implementing a regional ecological network (Rete Ecologica Regionale - RER). One of the weak links of the network, the connection between the Alps and the Apennines through the Po Plain – the only possible route of dispersal for many species – is threatened by human activities.
OBJECTIVES
The general objective of the TIB project was to increase the functionality of the ecological corridor between Campo dei Fiori and the Ticino River Parks, an area covering some 15 000 ha and including 14 Natura 2000 network sites. This has been achieved through the improvement of environmental quality and the removal of problems related to the crossing of artificial barriers. Specific project objectives included the reduction of biodiversity loss caused by habitat fragmentation, degradation and destruction, and the re-establishment of links between the Alpine and Continental bioregions in the area between the Ticino valley and the Varese Pre-Alps. Furthermore, the project aimed to fight the spread of invasive alien species, and to raise institutional awareness of the urgent need for systemic interventions in favour of large-scale ecological connectivity.
RESULTS
The TIB project’s key message was: "Wildlife needs to move about to survive, LIFE TIB helps them do so". The TIB project was implemented in Northern Italy by the Varese Province, together with LIPU and Lombardia Region and the co-financer Cariplo Foundation. The project helped to stem biodiversity loss by restoring connectivity within the ecological corridor linking the Alpine and Continental bioregions in the area between the Ticino River Park and the Varese Pre-Alps.
The project strengthening the ecological network, by identifying and protecting the ecological corridors that allow animal and plant species to move between the Ticino River and Campo dei Fiori natural areas. It worked to defragment the landscape by protecting and strengthening road and river crossings used by animal species; it took action to combat invasive alien species and to facilitate the subsequent recovery of the ecological balance; and it facilitated the restoration of typical elements of traditional rural habitats.
One of the main project outcomes was the signing of an agreement among different stakeholders, namely the "Network Contract", involving 43 municipalities, the Varese Province, the Campo dei Fiori and Ticino Regional Parks, and Lombardia Region. This contract acknowledges the “Evaluation of Implications” as the adequate tool for the protection of the ecological corridor, leading to the implementation of Article 6 of the Habitats Directive. Perpetual agreements were signed with 279 landowners (321 land plots) and, in case of forestry, agreements were signed for land maintenance for at least 20 years.
The project constructed five underpasses used by dispersing amphibian species and eight pools used by amphibians for reproduction, and restored two existing wetlands in the Campo dei Fiori Regional Park. Eight underpasses were installed for the use of small- and medium-sized animals, with three existing underpasses being improved. Three culverts were adapted for the passage of wild fauna along waterways. The project restored a total of 400 m of new dry stone walls, and 295 m of already existing dry stone walls, to provide suitable shelters for amphibians, reptiles and small mammals. All these methods can be replicated elsewhere.
The project targeted mostly exotic trees, aiming to increase deadwood and microhabitats for saproxylic fauna (a total of 2 500 interventions); installed 541 nest boxes for birds and bats and created 66 nest holes; installed 150 log-pyramids for saproxylic fauna; and pollarded 30 trees, with 930 small plants of Salix alba and 40 plants of larger size planted to be managed by pollarding. Experimental techniques were applied for the removal of invasive Nelumbo nucifera from Brebbia Marsh and Ludwigia grandiflora from Varese Lake. Visual bird-scaring devices were fitted along electricity power lines for a total of more than 5 km (395 spirals and 69 isolated pillars).
A total of 17 different communication activities were implemented and 30 000 copies of different materials were produced and distributed. A total of 15 000 000 people received information about the project from the website, events, workshops and other activities. Project staff monitored the target amphibians, reptiles and other species, and they will continue to do so post-LIFE. The long-term sustainability of the project actions is guaranteed by specific agreements and funds already made available by the relevant authorities.
The project improved the natural ecological corridor between the Ticino River Park and the Campo dei Fiori Park for a range of target species. This is the most suitable corridor for preserving a functional link between the Alps and the Apennines through the Po Plain. By facilitating the mobility of animal and plant species, the project helps biodiversity adapt to climate change. The project strongly contributed towards attaining the objectives of the EU 2020 biodiversity target, the European Strategy for Biodiversity 2020, and the Habitats and Birds Directives. In particular, the project represents one of the first example of the concrete implementation of Article 10 of the Habitats Directive, by working to connect 14 Natura 2000 network sites in a project area of 19 000 ha. It also contributes to the implementation of the Birds Directive, for example, by improving habitat and decreasing the causes of mortality (e.g. electrocution on power lines) of several Annex 1 species.
