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H.A.R.G.I.N – Aquatic Habitats of Strategic Importance for the Integrated Management of the Natura 2000 site

Staff
Project sheet

The H.A.R.G.I.N project was created with the aim of revitalizing the wetlands of Pian di Spagna (Lombardy) through physical restoration, environmental study, and monitoring activities. Its ambition is to build a virtuous balance between biodiversity, climate change resilience, and the sustainable development of economic activities, transforming these wetlands into a model of harmonious coexistence between nature and local communities.

Keywords

Monitoring

Goals

The project is developed around four main objectives:

  1. Recovery and management of artificial wetlands, created from ancient agronomic practices and now essential for local biodiversity.

  2. Monitoring of habitats and species, with particular attention to identifying invasive alien species that threaten the ecological balance of the Reserve.

  3. Defining an operational protocol for managing water levels, essential for maintaining healthy wetlands and ensuring their ecological functionality.

  4. Active involvement of schools and the local community through citizen science initiatives, promoting knowledge, participation, and awareness among younger generations and residents.

Stakeholders involved

H.A.R.G.I.N aims to involve a network of stakeholders closely connected to the territory. The local community and farmers serve as essential reference points for understanding wetland dynamics and ensuring the sustainable management of resources. Local schools, such as the Marco Polo Institute and the Agricultural Technical Institute, actively participate through training programs and citizen science activities, helping to raise awareness among younger generations. Completing the picture, professional fishers contribute their direct knowledge of aquatic ecosystems, becoming valuable partners in monitoring and conservation activities.

Main expected results

Through this project, the goal is to achieve concrete results for the protection of the Pian di Spagna wetlands. The restoration and improvement of wetlands and drainage channels represent the first step toward a more balanced and functional ecosystem. At the same time, the implementation of a hydrological monitoring system will make it possible to effectively control water levels, ensuring the stability and health of the habitats.

These actions will contribute to an increase in biodiversity and to the improvement of the ecological conditions of the wetlands, encouraging the return and persistence of many species. Finally, the project includes strong involvement of the local community and schools, which will actively participate in monitoring and management activities, turning conservation into a shared and participatory process.

Dissemination of results.

The dissemination and replicability of the project’s results will be ensured through several complementary actions. The data collected and the knowledge developed will be integrated into scientific publications, technical reports, and conference presentations, ensuring effective sharing with researchers and professionals in the field. At the same time, educational and training events—workshops, seminars, and courses—will involve farmers, students, and citizens, fostering greater awareness and competence in wetland management.

The project will also promote collaborations with other nature reserves and conservation initiatives, in order to share best practices and extend the replicability of the solutions tested. Completing the picture, a set of communication tools—videos, brochures, and digital content—will help reach a wider audience, clearly and accessibly disseminating the results and the value of the work carried out.

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