Last updated: October 2021
In light of the LIFE P.A.R.C. project, the NBS here presented consisted in the restoration of the fluvial and ecological continuity of the Magra and Vara rivers in the Montemarcello-Magra Regional Natural Park. The intervention implemented the removal of artificial barriers blocking the water continuity currently affecting biodiversity conservation. In the meantime, several activities implemented focused on restoring the area along the stream with the creation of walking paths and the use of signs to spread environmental awareness about the key habitat provision services of the area (1).
Overview
Nature-based solution
- Blue infrastructure
- Rivers/streams/canals/estuaries
- Other
Key challenges
- Water management (SDG 6)
- Improvements to water quality
- Green space, habitats and biodiversity (SDG 15)
- Habitat and biodiversity restoration
- Habitat and biodiversity conservation
- Inclusive and effective governance (SDG 16)
- Effective management
- Social justice, cohesion and equity (SDG 10)
- Environmental and climate justice
- Health and well-being (SDG 3)
- Enabling opportunities for physical activity
- Creation of opportunities for recreation
Focus
Monitoring and maintenance of habitats and/or biodiversity, Management and improved protection of rivers and other blue areas
Project objectives
The main objective was the creation of nine fish passes to overcome significant obstructions to migrating fish reaching their natural reproduction areas, even those species attempting to swim upstream in low water flows (1 and 2).
Implementation activities
Eight passages for fish were constructed on the dams. Four fish ramps were installed on the river Magra and another four along the river Vara. River continuity was established for about 50 km. Flood damage at one project site demolished a boulder dam, so boulders had to be replaced. Additional work also led to improved river quality through the placing of large boulders in the river bed and the constructing of breakwaters with boulders or vegetation, in order to diversify the banks and the current, and the planting of autochthonous plant species" (1). A detailed overview of the many actions is available on the official website and the final report (2 and 3).
Biodiversity conservation or restoration-focused activities
Biodiversity conservation:
- Protect and enhance urban habitats
- Preserve and strengthen existing habitats and ecosystems
- Promote environmentally-sound development in and around protected areas
- Create new habitats
- Reduce negative impacts and avoid the alteration/damage of ecosystem
- Protect species
- Undertake specific measures to protect species
- Undertake specific measures to protect native species
- Undertake specific measures to protect valued species
Biodiversity restoration:
- Rehabilitate and restore damaged or destroyed ecosystems
- Restore species (native, endangered, or unspecified)
- Restore native species
- Restore valued species
- Restore ecological connectivity
Main beneficiaries
- Local government/Municipality
- Researchers/University
- Other
Governance
Management set-up
- Co-governance with government and non-government actors
Type of initiating organisation
- Regional government
Participatory approaches/ community involvement
- Dissemination of information and education
Details on the roles of the organisations involved in the project
"Ente Parco di Montemarcello-Magra was the coordinator of the project in cooperation with the regional government. Monitoring of target species and surveillance activities were carried out by the associated beneficiaries the University of Genova and La Spezia Province, with the collaboration of local fishermen’s associations and Legambiente...The project has also enjoyed the financial support of Tirreno Power S.p.A., a company that manages a hydroelectric power station on the Vara river and is interested in reducing the impact of artificial dams along the watercourse" (1 and 3).
The project is part of the EU LIFE+2007 project (1).
Project implemented in response to ...
... an EU policy or strategy?
Yes
(- Nature protection and Biodiversity
- Directive 92/43 - Conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora- Habitats Directive (1). )
... a national policy or strategy?
Unknown
... a local policy or strategy?
Unknown
Financing
Total cost
€500,000 - €2,000,000
Source(s) of funding
- EU funds
- Public regional budget
Type of funding
- Earmarked public budget
Non-financial contribution
Type of non-financial contribution
- Provision of land
- Provision of labour
- Provision of expertise
Who provided the non-financial contribution?
- Public authorities (e.g. land, utility services)
Impacts and Monitoring
Environmental impacts
- Water management and blue areas
- Improved water quality
- Enhanced protection and restoration of freshwater ecosystems
- Green space and habitat
- Increased conservation or restoration of ecosystems
- Reduced biodiversity loss
- Increased number of species present
- Increased protection of threatened species
- Increased ecological connectivity across regeneration sites and scales
- Other
Economic impacts
- Unknown
Socio-cultural impacts
- Health and wellbeing
- Gain in activities for recreation and exercise
- Cultural heritage and sense of place
- Improvement in people’s connection to nature
- Protection of natural heritage
- Increased awareness of flora and fauna as culturally and historically meaningful
- Increased appreciation for natural spaces
- Education
- Increased support for education and scientific research
- Increased knowledge of locals about local nature
- Increased awareness of NBS and their benefits
- Other
Type of reported impacts
Achieved impacts
Presence of formal monitoring system
Yes
Presence of indicators used in reporting
Yes
Presence of monitoring/ evaluation reports
Yes
Availability of a web-based monitoring tool
No evidence in public records
References
1. Source link (2012), NBS webpage, Available at Source link (Accessed 3-9-2020)
2. Project official website: Source link (Website not available in 2020)
3. Source link (no date), Ex-Post LIFE Publication, Available at Source link (Accessed 3-9-2020)
4. Source link (2012), Layman Report, Available at Source link (Accessed 3-9-2020)
5.Source link (2012), Technical report, Available at Source link (Website not available in 2020)
6.Piattforma delle Conoscenze (2012), P.A.R.C. -Petromyzon And River Continuity, Available at Source link, (Accessed 3-9-2020)
2. Project official website: Source link (Website not available in 2020)
3. Source link (no date), Ex-Post LIFE Publication, Available at Source link (Accessed 3-9-2020)
4. Source link (2012), Layman Report, Available at Source link (Accessed 3-9-2020)
5.Source link (2012), Technical report, Available at Source link (Website not available in 2020)
6.Piattforma delle Conoscenze (2012), P.A.R.C. -Petromyzon And River Continuity, Available at Source link, (Accessed 3-9-2020)