Life A-Mar Natura2000
The LIFE A-MAR NATURA2000 project (LIFE20 GIE/IT/001352) stems from the desire to enhance the marine sites of the Natura 2000 Network, transforming them into recognizable places of interest to the public, without sacrificing their conservation.
The project, which officially began on 1 October 2021, will be developed over 4 years and involves in the partnership: Federparchi Europarc Italia – Italian Federation of Parks and Nature Reserves, leader of the project; Triton Research, creator of the project; Fundación Biodiversidad and Lipu – Italian League for the Protection of Birds.
Coastal pollution, unsustainable fishing practices, wrong behaviour of tourists, there are many effects of poor use of marine resources, especially if all this takes place in protected but little-known environments such as those of the Natura 2000 Network, the main instrument of EU policy for the conservation of marine and terrestrial biodiversity.
It is an ecological network spread throughout Europe, created to ensure the long-term maintenance of natural habitats and species of flora and fauna that are threatened or in danger of extinction.
The Natura 2000 Network consists of Sites of Community Interest (SCIs), which are subsequently designated as Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) after a maximum of 6 years, and Special Protection Areas (SPAs) established for the conservation of wild birds.
In Italy, all Natura 2000 sites cover a total of 32% of the national territory, specifically 19% of the land surface, and 13% of the marine territory.
Life A-Mar Natura 2000
Among the primary objectives of the LIFE A-MAR project:
01
To raise awareness among specific categories of sea users about the existence, location and importance of Natura 2000 marine sites.
02
Promote good practices, replicable, and eco-sustainable behaviours in the use and management of Natura 2000 marine sites.
03
Promote an active approach to the problems of the sea among citizens, stimulating proactive actions for the protection and conservation of the environment.
04
Provide training support to managers of Natura 2000 marine sites and users for more timely and effective communication about the presence, environmental values and benefits of Natura 2000 marine sites.
05
To increase the knowledge of the stakeholders and users who frequent the sites, stimulating a commitment to their conservation, also through monitoring actions provided for by citizen science initiatives.
