PROJECT DESCRIPTION
BACKGROUND
The degradation of the semi-natural forest and pasture habitats in the Tolfa Mountains district, in the Province of Rome (Italy) is threatening many species, including endangered bird species because of the reduced area suitable for mating, nesting and feeding. Such degradation has been caused mainly by the abandonment of the once-cultivated woods and the reduction of traditional agriculture practices, with consequent fragmentation of cultivated land, and by uncontrolled human activity.
OBJECTIVES
The main objective of the MONTI DELLA TOLFA project was to ensure the long-term conservation of unique habitats and related species listed in the Habitats Directive, in three Natura 2000 sites in the Tolfa Mountains of central Italy (an SPA and two pSCIs), and in particular threatened bird species listed in the Birds Directive. A second objective was the implementation of actions that will enable human activities and nature conservation to coexist. Thirdly, the project will highlight to residents and visitors the increased value of the area due to its being protected within Natura 2000 network sites. This will be done through collaboration between four municipalities and three 'università agrarie' (agricultural universities), which manage the public access and the use of the forests and pastures.
RESULTS
The MONTI DELLA TOLFA project was implemented over a large hilly area about 50 km north of Rome (central Italy), targeting three Natura 2000 sites: one of the largest SPAs in Italy (Comprensorio Tolfetano-Cerite-Manziate, comprising some 70 000 ha) and two smaller pSCIs. The project successfully carried out urgent actions to restore habitats and conserve species listed in the Annexes of the Birds and Habitats directives, particularly threatened bird species. It also provided beneficial socio-economic effects in the Tolfa Mountains area.
The project implemented restoration measures in pastures (where animal rearing is the main economic activity), forest improvement techniques, the restoration of an abandoned building to be used for public activities, and the establishment of a charnel (feeding area) for raptors. Pasture restoration was implemented on a total area of over 3 000 ha and included the recovery of 22 troughs for cattle. Grassland management involved avoidance of excessive exploitation (e.g. overgrazing) and the control of invasive shrubs. Forest works affected a total area of nearly 100 ha, including extensive oak and beech woods. The sustainable management of these mature forests was achieved through a reduction in pruning, the control of grazing, and actions to support the process of woodland renewal, such as the opening of plant nurseries for future re-planting. Fifteen species of birds are beneficent from project interventions. The project team also restored water points and troughs, established ponds for amphibians, and restored other buildings in the project area.
The key to the project’s success was the good combination of activities aimed at nature restoration and at the improvement of pastures as hunting ground for raptors, which were also beneficial for livestock breeders. In fact, this approach enabled the active involvement of local farmers in project activities, and clearly demonstrated that nature conservation and agro-business can go hand-in-hand.
Restoration of the target forestry area led to clear environmental benefits for the three Natura 2000 network sites, and the species in those sites. The project’s restoration activities favoured proper regeneration of vegetation and the safeguarding of protected species, and the improvement of pastures. By the end of the project, the restoration of the target sites was successfully concluded.
The project helped to directly implement the Habitats Directive and the Birds Directive, in Natura 2000 sites that previously did not comply with EU standards for habitat and species conservation (Favourable Conservation Status). Moreover, the project addressed an important legislation vacuum regarding the management of charnels for birds of prey, through the organisation of a dedicated conference attended by the relevant authorities and other LIFE projects. The project furthered rural development policy goals by energetically promoting sustainable tourism. The project team also made recommendations for improving the system of incentives for farmers to promote free-range grazing.
The project’s main innovation was in its technical approach to the application of best practices for the improved management of the territory. Its successful demonstration aspect was linked to the communicated of its practices and results to relevant authorities and the general public, via a website, educational programmes and information materials. Around 100 000 people were engaged through the dissemination activities, including schoolchildren.
Wood deriving from project interventions was distributed to the public at events, raising awareness of the benefits of proper forest management for obtaining an economic advantage. The project action to remove asbestos roofs present in the target area improves the safety and health risks in the territory. Social benefits for the local population were also provided through landscape improvements and the placing of picnic tables next to panoramic views.
The project promoted eco-tourism in the area by establishing nature trails with information boards, and producing nature guides and maps. This should bring a range of long-term benefits to local communities, through increased visitor numbers and opportunities to create new jobs in restaurants, hotels and as tourism operators (e.g. travel agencies organising excursions and birdwatching tours).
Further information on the project can be found in the project's layman report and After-LIFE Conservation Plan (see "Read more" section).
