Objective
Seen from the Lago di Garda, the two project sites, Valvestino and Corno della Marogna, stretch away to the Alps rising in the background in all their splendour. From a phytosociological perspective, the vegetation cover of the sites constitutes a biotope of its own, not to be confounded, in spite of the proximity of the mountains, with the Alpine habitats in sensu strictu nor with the sub-Mediterranean habitats. It is in fact a transition habitat and an excellent corridor for all species which require extensive home ranges, such as the top predators (lynx, eagle, vulture) which find food and a secure refuge here. The priority habitat "scrub with Pinus mugo and Rhododendron hirsutum" is well-represented at the two sites and boasts a host of endemic plant species (Saxifraga tombaenensis, for example). Mowing the meadows, cultivation of buckwheat and rye and the grazing of pastures were all aspects of the old local economy, now vanished; the abandonment of these forms of land use has opened up broad areas to colonization by bushes and trees, leading to a significant loss of biodiversity.
The measures foreseen seek to reconstitute the submontane grassland biotopes originally found in the Alto Garda Bresciano nature park. In turn this will encourage the return of top predators like the lynx, golden eagle and vulture and the perenniality of the populations that do establish themselves, quite besides safeguarding the preservation and recovery of rare plant species. Plans are to restore traditional models of land use in mountainous areas, such as the cultivation of rye and buckwheat, which provided human nourishment in the past and will now augment the food supply for wildlife. Access to a mule track will be regulated, but with an absolute ban on motorized vehicles, so that animals can be observed in an undisturbed setting. Given that the sites are a staging point for priority bird species, an official request will be made to the Minister for the Environment to include the two proposed SACs in a new SPA.
Topic(s)
Data not availableCall for proposal
Data not availableFunding Scheme
CSC - Cost-sharing contractsCoordinator
20090 Segrate Milano
Italy