MON-I-DRON: Monitoring invasive plant species using innovative methods
Staff
16/12/2025
Project sheet
MON-I-DRON aims to revolutionize the monitoring of invasive alien species in the Tepilora Park by testing an innovative, sustainable, and highly effective workflow. Thanks to state-of-the-art drones, field surveys, and citizen science activities, it is possible to accurately map habitats and promptly identify threats to ecosystems, especially in the valuable Ramsar wetlands. For the first time in the area, different approaches are compared to optimize costs, results, and response times, creating a model that can also be replicated in other protected areas. At the same time, the project seeks to engage and raise awareness among local communities, turning citizens into active protagonists in the protection of their territory’s biodiversity.
Keywords
Monitoring
Project name
MON-I-DRON: Monitoring invasive plant species using innovative methodsDuration
21 months
Location
Regional Natural Park Authority of Tepilora
Responsible organisation
NBFC
Budget
€198,530.00 (NBFC contribution €178,530.00, beneficiary co-financing €20,000.00)
Goals
The project aims to transform the Tepilora Park’s approach to monitoring invasive alien species by introducing innovative tools and actively engaging the community. In particular, it seeks to:
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To develop an experimental and reliable workflow to collect high-quality data, monitor invasive alien species over time, and assess their risks, ensuring rapid and economically sustainable responses through eradication, control, or habitat restoration measures.
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To strengthen the protection of the Ramsar wetlands, the core of the Park’s ecological balance, through the use of advanced technologies capable of more effectively detecting and countering biological invasions.
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To engage and raise awareness among local communities by promoting active participation in monitoring and increasing awareness of the value of biodiversity as a natural heritage and a source of essential ecosystem services.
A set of integrated objectives aimed at creating a modern, replicable model capable of protecting the area’s ecological richness.
Stakeholders involved
MON-I-DRON involves several stakeholders, both public and private, who contribute complementary skills, knowledge, and roles to the protection of the territory:
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Sardinian Institute of Sciences, Letters and Arts
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Environmental and volunteer associations
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Fishermen and farmers
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Citizens
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Environmental and hiking guides
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CEAS
Main expected results
Through this project, the aim is to concretely revolutionize the monitoring of alien species in the Tepilora Park through an innovative and participatory approach. Drone surveys will be tested over 100 hectares (3,000–5,000 images) along with more than 100 field observations, integrated through a dedicated app and the contribution of citizen science. Training courses, public events, informational fact sheets, and a prize-based contest will encourage community participation. Maps, technical reports, and a scientific publication will deliver robust and useful results for the future management of the territory.
Dissemination results
The proposed monitoring model combines drones, field surveys, and citizen science into an integrated system capable of transforming the way invasive alien species are addressed. This synergy between advanced technology and active participation not only enhances the effectiveness of interventions in the Tepilora Park, but also provides a virtuous example that can be easily replicated in other protected areas of Sardinia: a true best practice ready to inspire new strategies for territorial conservation.
