NATURES | Greece-Italy cooperation for nature protection
Source: Tornos News
A significant cooperation between Greece and Italy for nature protection is taking shape with the launch of the new NATURES project, part of the Interreg VI-A Greece-Italy Programme 2021-2027. With a budget exceeding 1.28 million euros, the project focuses on the conservation of emblematic species and rare habitats in protected areas of Western Greece and southern Italy.
In Greece, the actions will be implemented in the Amvrakikos, the National Marine Park of Zakynthos and the National Wetlands Park of Kotychio-Strofylia, areas of international importance that host unique biodiversity.
The project aims to strengthen the protection of three endangered species:
the European otter (Lutra lutra),
the loggerhead turtle Caretta caretta,
and the Apennine yellow toad (Bombina pachypus).
In addition, special attention will be paid to four habitat types of European importance: coastal lagoons, calcareous marshes, pinewood dunes and Mediterranean seasonal marshes.
The main actions of the project include targeted conservation projects, field interventions, a joint educational programme, as well as a public information and awareness campaign. The strategic objective is to develop a common transnational policy, fully aligned with the new EU law on nature restoration.
NATURES was officially launched on 4 July and is one of 37 projects approved for funding in the first call of the programme. The lead partner is the Torre Guaceto Management Consortium in Italy, with the participation of the Aspromonte and Sila National Parks. On the Greek side, the coordination is carried out by the Natural Environment and Climate Change Organization (OFYPEKA).
The original article: belongs to Tornos News .
