OB. 2 Measure 2.6 b  “Natura 2000 Network”
ENHANCING MINOR FAUNA AND VEGETATION IN FRESH WATER WETLANDS IN LIGURIAN SCIs

The project (2006-2008) was carried out in collaboration with Dip.Te.Ris., University of Genoa as well as the municipal administrations of Calice al Cornoviglio, Pignone, Riccò del Golfo, Sarzana and the Comunità Montana Media e Bassa Val di Vara. It provided for the creation, at the Oratorio della Trinità in Sarzana, of the “Regional Minor Fauna Centre” with aquariums and terraquariums. The centre can be visited with the help of expert nature guides.

The Minor Fauna regional Centre give geo-newts, fen- turquoises, camarons and other species relevant for conserving biodiversity. The centre organises guided tours, seminars and meetings about the river habitat, its features and ecosystem.

Again in Sarzana, in the area of the perifluvial lake in the Pallodola area, special “teaching ponds” were created to observe and conserve amphibians and birds from aquatic environments. Some illustrative panels and a path that flanks the perimeter of the lake facilitate the visit. These activities were accompanied by monitoring studies of the amphibian population that highlighted their general decline.

Centre fauna troglobia in Quarratico (Riccò del Golfo)

This centre is part of the project Rete natura 2000 (The Nature network project) and it deals with the grotto fauna. It carries out research, didactic and educational activity, not just only about Karstic phenomena and the grotto fauna. It works about the way to determine the quality of the environment with much attention to the waters and the soil.