Natural connections for Natura2000 in Northern Italy to 2030

Introduction

The regions of northern Italy host a rich wildlife and over 500 N2000 sites, from the Alps to the Mediterranean Sea. All of them have redacted their Prioritized Action Framework (PAF) to protect the habitats and species within a territory of over 100,000 km².

Project Overview

With the LIFE NatConnect2030, five PAFs will be implemented in four regions: Lombardy, Piedmont, Veneto, and Emilia-Romagna, as well as in the Autonomous Province of Trento.

Project Aim

The aim of the project is the consolidation of an integrated management system of the N2K network to guarantee the achievement of the conservation objectives of the Habitats and Birds Directives. This will improve the coherence of the N2K network in a trans-regional context.

Contribution to EU Strategies

LIFE NatConnect2030 will also contribute to reaching the 2030 targets of other EU Strategies on Biodiversity, including:

1. Sectoral initiatives (e.g., Pollinators and GIs)
2. Forests
3. Farm to fork
4. Climate adaptation
5. EU legislation (WFD, IAS Regulation, Directive on Pesticides)

Strategic Actions

The objective will be pursued through the implementation of a set of actions considered strategic among those identified as priorities in the 5 PAFs. This will allow the achievement of the following strategic paths:

• Restoration of habitats and species
• Reinforcement of ecological corridors along the Po River
• Increase of the resilience of key ecosystems for adaptation to climate change
• Creation of a coordinated system of early detection, management, and control of IAS

Communication Activities

LIFE NatConnect2030 will include a series of multi-target and multi-level communication activities aimed at consolidating prevention and reinforcing the effectiveness of the interventions, ensuring solid and expert governance.

Long-term Impact

During its 9 years, the project will lay the foundation for the full implementation of the 5 PAFs after its conclusion, creating the process to mobilize complementary funds. This includes resources linked to the Renaturation plan of the Po River, amounting to 180 million from the Italian Recovery and Resilience Plan.