PROJECT DESCRIPTION
BACKGROUND
The geographical position of Calabria at the extreme south of Italy as well as its long coastline overlooking the Tyrrhenian and Ionian Seas means that it has some of the richest biodiversity in Italy and Europe. It boasts 69 habitats of (European) community interest, 18 of which are priority habitats, and has 185 marine and terrestrial Natura 2000 sites covering 19% of the region. This important biodiversity is, however, not always adequately managed and protected. This is particularly evident in regards to newly designated marine sites, whose conservation and fisheries management measures are being developed at European level.
OBJECTIVES
The aim of the PAN LIFE project was to prepare, on the basis of the approach of the Priority Action Frameworks (PAFs), concrete and operational measures for the Natura 2000 network. The strategy would include a financial plan that considers all sources of funding (European, national and regional) for the management of the Natura 2000 network and an updated list of priority actions to be carried out over the next decade. It would also look at integrating biodiversity conservation and management objectives into regional development and employment.
The needs of stakeholders from many sectors (agriculture, fisheries, forestry, and the private sector) would be considered in the strategy. Citizen participation in the scientific monitoring of the regional Natura 2000 network would also be encouraged. This would be achieved through community-based monitoring, a system which aims to mobilise a large number of volunteers.
Expected results:
RESULTS
The PAN LIFE project did not reach the foreseen objectives, which was to set up a strategic plan for the management of the entire Natura 2000 regional network. The project however managed to prepare the Conservation Measures and their approval by Regione Calabria for 153 SCIs (now transformed into SACs) with administrative acts, and the protocols for habitat, flora and fauna monitoring.