Welcome to nature by CLIMAPARKS

Welcome to nature

H AT

Klagenfurt

Bolzano 4

Ljubljana

IT Brescia

3 1 2

Verona

Zagreb

HR BA

6 7

Bologna

100 km

Area of the Cross-border Cooperation Programme Italy-Slovenia 2007-2013

Cartography: Triglav National Park, 2013.

SAN MARINO

Welcome to nature Triglav National Park

Landscape Park Strunjan

Soline Salt Production Co. Ltd.

Škocjan Caves Park

Julian Prealps Regional Nature Park

Dolomiti Friulane Regional Nature Park

Veneto Regional Park of the Po Delta

Managing Body for Parks and Biodiversity - Po Delta

Vena del Gesso Romagnola Regional Park

Dear park visitors In the period 2010-2013 nine parks – four from Slovenia and five from Italy – have designed and implemented a range of activities in the framework of the Climaparks project. This publication presents part of research results and the solutions tested through pilot projects. Besides our professional work, we have also made a lot of interesting presentations and programmes for visitors. Visit all project partners and learn more about our activities. For more information, please go to www.climaparks.eu. Enjoy your tour of nature parks! Climaparks - Climate Change and Management of Protected Areas

Triglav National Park (TNP)

Dan Briski

Monitoring

GPS-based telemetric monitoring of chamois provides valuable information about the ecological patterns of the species, and gives an insight into how these will be affected by changes in the environment.

Telemetric Monitoring Of Chamois The chamois is classified among the most sensitive free-ranging ungulate species in Slovenia. It is severely threatened by chamois scabies and various forms of human activity, e.g. mountaineering, paragliding, ski touring, and mountain biking. In certain locations, chamois are forced to adapt their lifestyle and habits to human disturbance: animals withdraw to remote locations, seeking shelter in densely overgrown areas and changing their diurnal/

nocturnal activity. In the future, changes in the habits of chamois will also be driven by climate change. In consideration of the above facts, Sloveniaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first telemetric monitoring of chamois as one of the best methods to study the activities of wildlife was started in the course of the CLIMAPARKS project. In the area of TNP; four chamois were captured and equipped with telemetry tracking collars. The GPS-based collars record the exact location of the animal every two hours and transfer this information via telephone signal to the com-

puter. After a year of uninterrupted operation, telemetry tracking collars automatically disengage from the specimens. Preliminary data acquired from the collars provides valuable insights into the life of chamois. In the light of growing uncertainty and predicted climate change, it would be sensible to carry out telemetric monitoring of chamois also in the future. The information obtained will assist in spatial planning to minimize its negative effects on the life of this ecologically significant wildlife species of the high Alps.

Summer (red) and winter (blue) locations of the monitored chamois.

Triglav National Park (TNP) is Slovenia's only national park. Triglav National Park extends along the Italian border and close to the Austrian border in the northwest of Slovenia, that is, in the south-eastern section of the Alps. Its territory is nearly identical with that occupied by the entire Eastern Julian Alps. Triglav National Park is among the earliest European parks; the first protection dates back to 1924 when the Alpine Conservation Park was founded. The principal task of the Triglav National Park Public Institution is the protection of the park, but it also carries out specialist and research tasks.

Pilot Projects

Dan Briski

Triglav National Park (TNP) Ljubljanska cesta 27 4260 Bled, Slovenia phone: +386 (0)4 578 02 00 e-mail: triglavski-narodni-park@tnp.gov.si www.tnp.si

In the heart of Slovenia's only national park, in the idyllic valley of Trenta, stands DOM TRENTA, the largest information centre operated by the Triglav National Park. The centre hosts exhibitions and displays multimedia and interactive presentations of various natural attractions and ethnological heritage of the park. In the course of the Climaparks project, Dom Trenta's adjoining building was turned into a multi-purpose training centre. The centre is based inside the abandoned Italian barracks, which has been reconstructed to meet the current energy efficiency standards. The building was provided with

new thermal insulation to prevent heat losses and ensure high heat transfer coefficients, and equipped with a heat recovery ventilation unit. All the works made maximum use of natural materials, mostly hardwood, ceramics, and plaster. The building's heating system will operate a biomass furnace which provides maximum efficiency and uses renewable energy resources. The multi-purpose hall is equipped with state-of-the-art audiovisual and supplementary educational equipment. Marko Pretner

Multi-Purpose Training Centre

A former Italian barracks was turned into an energy-efficient multi-purpose building made mainly of natural materials. It will serve as a perfect venue for one-day and multi-day training events in the heart of the national park.

Landscape Park Strunjan Monitoring

Borut Mavrič

bleaching were observed. This phenomenon became even more far-reaching in early October when recorded at several more localities. The winter, summer and annual corallite increments in the colonial stony coral are result of higher temperatures, too.

Owing to the higher temperatures of the sea, bleaching of the colonial stony corals and their greater increments have been registered in the waters of Landscape Park Strunjan. Some fish species that had not inhabited this environment in the past have also been found here.

In the last few decades, we have been faced with certain processes in the Slovenian part of the Adriatic Sea that are in one way or another linked to the global warming. In 2011 and 2012, utterly new phenomena, such as coral bleaching, have been noticed in the aquatory of Strunjan Nature Park. This phenomenon, during which loss of endosymbiotic algae zooxanthellae incurs due to too high environmental temperatures, is closely associated with global warming. In colonies of the colonial stony coral, numerous cases of minor, distinct and total

Owing to the higher temperatures in the Slovenian sea, some fish species have been registered in the Slovenian sea that had previously not been seen in this particular environment. Some among them are non-indigenous, while others are closely connected to the process of tropicalisation.

Occurrence of thermophilous fish species that are closely linked to the process of tropicalisation and have been observed in the Slovenian part of the Adriatic Sea. Name of species

Latin name

Occurrence Status Source Slovenian Strunjan sea NR Grey triggerfish Balistes carolinensis 3 3 Lipej et al. (2005) Round sardinella Sardinella aurita 5 + 5 Own data Mediterranean rainbowfish Coris julis 4 + 4 Own data Blackfish Centrolophus niger 3 + 2 Own data Vadigo Campogramma glaycos 2 1 Dulčić et al. (2002) Silver scabbardfish Lepidopus caudatus 4 2 Own data Ribbonfish Trachipterus trachypterus 3 2 Own data Dolphinfish Coryphaena hippurus 5 3 Dulčić & Lipej (1997) Bluefish Pomatomus saltator 5 2 Lipej et al. (2005) Leopard- spotted goby Thorogobius ephippiatus 1 1 Lipej et al. (2005) Mediterranean moray Muraena helena 1 1 Lipej & Moškon (2011) Green wrasse Labrus viridis 1 1 Lipej et al. (2005) Plectorchinchus 2 1 Lipej et al. (1996) Rubberlip grunt mediterraneus Blunthead puffer Sphoeroides pachygaster 1 1 Own data Ocean sunfish Mola mola 1 + 2 Lipej et al. (2007) Pelagic stingray Pteroplatytrigon violacea 5 + 2 Lipej et al. (2005)

Legend: Occurrence: 1 – singly, 2 – 2-3 individuals, 3 – few individuals (> 3), 4 – > 10 individuals, 5 – many individuals (> 100), Status: 1 – very rare, 2 – rare, 3 – present, 4 – common, and 5 – very common

Strunjan Nature Park is the only protected area in Slovenia that stretches out into the sea itself. It embraces the Strunjan Peninsula and is, generally speaking, a place of superlatives. Here one can find the highest flysch cliff (80 metres) in the entire Adriatic, the longest section of natural coast in the whole Bay of Trieste, the northernmost and smallest salt-pans where traditional salt-making has survived till this very day, and the only lagoon in Slovenia. The Park is of exceptional significance from the aspect of conserving animal and plant diversity as well as natural assets of the Slovenian Sea and its coast. The Park’s true gem is the Bay of St. Cross (zaliv Sv. Križa), also known as Moon Bay (Mesečev zaliv) and considered the most attractive part of Slovenian Sea. It is located just a stone’s throw from the Church of Virgin Mary’s Apparitions, the Istrian spiritual and pilgrimage centre. Landscape Park Strunjan Strunjan 152, Senčna pot 10, 6320 Portorož, Slovenia phone: +386 (0)8 205 18 80 e.mail: info@parkstrunjan.si www.parkstrunjan.si

In order to assess the climate change impact on the visitation of Landscape Park Strunjan, the weather conditions were also monitored apart from visitation of the Park. Comparing the amount of precipitation and temperature with the number of visitors in the years 2011 and 2012 from May to December, it was established that the amount of precipitation affects the number of visitors in the Park, while temperature has no such effect. A historical analysis of the weather data from the last 37 years indicated a trend of gradual decrease of the average amount of annual precipitation and a rise of the average annual air temperature. In 2012, the Park was visited by 133,277 people in 136 days. Tourist accommodation providers had 164,291 overnight stays. The lowest number of visitors was recorded in December, the highest in August. As far as weather is concerned, the prolonged cold period in February, accompanied by hurricane-stage bura (northeasterly wind), should be highlighted. The winter 2013 was one of the snowiest in the last 50 years. At the end of March, many were taken unawares by frost, which is also highly unusual for this time of the year. Brina Knez

Luka Kastelic

Pilot Projects In 2012, the Park was visited by 133,277 people in 136 days. Tourist accommodation providers had 164,291 overnight stays. It was established that the amount of precipitation affects the number of visitors in the Park, while temperature has no such effect.

Soline Salt Production Co. Ltd. Monitoring

On November 1st, 2010, counting of all visitors was introduced at the Lera entrance. From archives, as accurate data on the numbers of the Park’s visitors from 2006 onwards have been obtained.

Of the total 127,440 visitors in the 2010-2012 period, the area of Lera (where the Visitor Centre is also located) was visited by 77.9%, while the Museum of Salt-making was visited by a little less than a third of them. The Park was entered via land by 91% of the visitors, while 9% of them arrived via sea by boat. A good third (33.7%) of the visitors opted for guided tours. 76% were domestic visitors, a little less than one fourth (23.74%) foreigners, the majority of which were English-speaking (13.9%), followed by Italian-speaking (4.7%) and German-speaking visitors (3.1%), while a little less than 2%

of the guided tours were conducted in other languages (Russian, Croatian …). Regarding the structure of visitors, the first place went to primary/secondary school children and students (46.3 %), followed by adult visitors (28.1%), journalists and business partners (6.5%), and pensioners (5.8%). A good two percent (2.4%) were persons with special needs. The results of the carried out statistical analysis indicate that the number of visitors is rising and that the main «season«

in the 2010-2012 period was covered was covered by April and August, when the number of visitors surpassed the monthly average. We expected that the rainfall and temperature would significantly affect the visitation trend. Detailed monthly analyses for the 2011-2012 period (April-October) indicated, however, no significant correlations between the number of visitors and the amount of precipitation and no correlation between the number of visitors and air temperature.

Figure. Trend of linear increase (Trend) and No. of visitors (N) in the Park during the 2006-2012 period indicate a moderate increase (p<0.01). 1,6

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SOLINE Salt Production Co. Ltd. is protecting and permanently preserving the natural and cultural heritage within Sečovlje Salina Nature Park and producing salt in the traditional manner. By paying regard to various natural processes in the area, we are thus providing for its sustainable development, while through the implementation of measures concerning the protection of natural values of our cultural heritage we are spreading the awareness as to the significance of protecting Sečovlje Salina Nature Park. It covers about 750 ha along the Slovene-Croatian boundary in the extreme south western part of Slovenia, in the southern part of the Community of Piran. Its northern part, where active salt-making is still taking place, is called Lera. From the Park’s southern part, called Fontanigge, it is separated by the bed of the Drnica stream. Ramsar site, Natura 2000

Pilot Projects

SOLINE Salt Production Co. Ltd. KPSS, Seča 115, 6320 Portorož, Slovenia www.kpss.si, www.soline.si

A study on environmentally-friendly transport was implemented during the project duration in Sečovlje Salina Nature Park. From the visitors we wished to get their opinion about the reasonableness and utility of electric vehicles for transportation through the Park. We purchased two Elefteria electric bikes, which could be used by the visitors at Lera free of charge. A small Alpha scooter was tested by us, the Park’s employees. It is used for short drives at Lera and elsewhere in the field. In June 2012, a Villager electric vehicle was also introduced at Lera, to experimentally transport the visitors for a couple of weeks from the Lera entrance to the Visitor Centre.The introduction of electric bikes, scooters

and other electric vehicles is sensible in protected areas, for it enables lower transport costs, but at the same time dictates certain demands to the managers (storage space, connection to the power network, maintenance) that provide for a smooth and high quality service. The autonomy of electric vehicles is conditioned by the electric drive load (slopes, carrying capacity) which, however, is in our case minimal owing to the fact that the path has no slopes at all.

A study on environmentallyfriendly transport was implemented during the project duration in Sečovlje Salina Nature Park. From the visitors we wished to get their opinion about the reasonableness and utility of electric vehicles for transportation through the Park.

Ĺ kocjan Caves Park Monitoring Within the framework of the project several studies were carried N out to determine the status of flora and fauna 1.000 m on the surface and in the cave. The sampling and monitoring of cave fauna in the tourist part of the Caves was carried out. This task was part of the activities in the field of the monitoring of terrestrial and exclusively troglobitic fauna in the tourist part of the Caves. The Ĺ kocjan Caves are a varied karstic subterranean ecosystem where interesting discoveries can still be expected. In the layer called the epikarst there is a suitable dwelling space for many true subterranean animals, of which a part is carried by gravity and water into the caves, where we carried out the monitoring. By monitoring chemical parameters we usually

Legend Park border 1. 4. 2011 (ASIOTU) 1. 4. 2011 (STRALU) 17. 4. 2015 (ATHNOC) 24. 5. 2012 (OTUSCO)

The exceptional natural heritage of the Park calls for a responsible approach and management of the protected area. Within the project we began several studies of the surface and the caves.

500

Figure: spots of the night census of nesting birds; also marked is the location of the eagle owl and the scops owl; the acronym of the species beside the date in the legend means that in that spot we used tape playback for that species; pink squares indicate spots of (unsuccessful) listening for the eagle owl on March 3rd 2012 (map by GURS, 1:25,000). Author:Â DOPPS.

detect only the current status, while the monitoring of living organisms gives an evaluation of the vitality of the population, its stability or endangerment. In karst territory, any intervention on the surface is reflected in altered conditions underground which are determined by monitoring environmental parameters in subterranean waters. The monitoring of birds in the designated protected area of the Park, carried out by DOPPS, was also completed. The research was mostly carried out in the designated protected area, but partly also in the extended area, which is mostly covered by forest, while meadows and farmland full of hedges, trees and shrubbery are situated near settlements. The composition of species and the number of birds nesting in the Park corresponds to that. The most common species are Blackcap, Robin, Blackbird, Chaffinch and Marsh Tit.

The park is located in the classical Karst and is a true open-air museum. Here you can acquaint yourself with aboveground and subterranean karst phenomena, the most characteristic example of which is the Škocjan Caves system with its unique natural values. The area is renowned for its exceptional archaeological finds, pioneering explorations of Karst underground, and rich natural and cultural heritage. Škocjan caves were included in the UNESCO world heritage sites list in 1986. In 1999, the park was added to the Ramsar List of Wetlands of International Importance as an underground wetland site. In 2004, the entire park area was included in UNESCO's MAB (Man and Biosphere) programme as the Karst Biosphere Reserve. Škocjan Caves Park Škocjan 2, SI-6215 Divača, Slovenia www.park-skocjanske-jame.si • I nformation Centre Matavun 12, SI-6215 Divaca

In accordance with the management goals of the Škocjan Caves Park, a measurement study and a proposal of optimizing the electrical energy consumption was carried out within the framework of the project. It showed that with the use of efficient lamps in the cave, the consumption of electrical energy for lighting would drop by 73 %. The main electrical appliances in the Park are lighting systems and electric heaters. 99% of the electrical energy is consumed for lighting. Since the average monthly cost for the electrical energy for the cave is €800, annual savings would amount to €7,000. The value of the investment in an efficient lighting of the cave would amount to around €40,000, which means that the investment would pay off in six years. Also, the maintenance costs would drop due to longer lifespan of the new lights. At the same time we would follow the vision of the Park and protected nature areas in general which encourages sustainable solutions and minimizing resources and energy use.

Borut Lozej

Pilot Projects

Protected areas should be examples of best practice of sustainable management and energy consumption. For this reason we had decided to try and find a solution for the optimization of the existing energy efficiency of the Park in connection with the activity of visiting the cave ecosystem.

Julian Prealps Regional Nature Park Monitoring Monitoring the effects of climate change on the habitat and species of mount Canin The effects of climate change on the habitat and species in the Julian Prealps Regional Nature Park were monitored in the glacier area of Mount Canin. They were monitored in line with the indications of the protocol drawn up during the first phase of the Climaparks project. Implementing this protocol, the following tasks were performed: - identification of the main plant communities present in the study site, installation and description of permanent plots for long-term monitoring activities; - measurement and processing of phyto-sociological Legend Plant types Rocky areas, rubble, scree colonized by discontinuous pioneer vegetation Mosaic of Salicetum retuso-reticulatae/Caricon ferruginae Salicetum retuso-reticulatae Thalaspion Glacier

mapping of the vegetation in the Canin glacier area. A total of 51 species of flowering plants were observed in the study area, of which 3 shrubs and 48 grasses, for a total of 37 genera. The cryptogramic flora comprises mosses and rare elliptical lichen. All the plant communities observed in the area of study are of significant naturalistic importance, as well as being extremely sensitive and vulnerable to the potential impact of climate change. The work ensured a detailed analysis of the situation in a rapidly evolving area due to climate change, laying the essential foundations for all future assessments of the evolutions underway and any conservation strategies to be adopted.

The effects of climate change on the habitat and species in the Julian Prealps Regional Nature Park were monitored on Mount Canin, analysing the flora and its potential evolution.

Pilot Projects

Marco Di Lenardo

The pilot projects in the Julian Prealps Park

Julian Prealps Regional Nature Park was grounded in 1996, covering almost 100 km2 in the municipalities of Resia, Resiutta, Chiusaforte, Lusevera, Venzone and Moggio Udinese (region Friuli Venezia Giulia). Park area includes the highest parts of the Mount Plauris range, Mount Musi and Mount Canin massif. The areas forming the park have been chosen for their features in nature and geology, landscape, culture and history, they are often absolutely unique. Three main biogeographic areas met in park area: Alpine, Mediterranean and Illiric. Their specificness associated to high rainfall rate explain the high number of fauna and flora species (1.200 species, 60 endemic species). The rich trail network connects the most beautiful places and points of interest. Julian Prealps Regional Nature Park www.parcoprealpigiulie.it • Park visitors center Piazza del Tiglio, 3; Loc. Prato; 33010 Resia (UD); Italy

For the Park, the Climaparks project represented an opportunity to run a series of pilot projects aiming to reduce energy consumption and emissions in order to combat the most negative effects of climate change. Within this framework, the »Energy Plan« was drafted, gathering information on current consumption levels and drafting proposals for concrete interventions to be implemented also through awareness campaigns targeting visitors. A 20 kW photovoltaic system was also installed on the roof of the Park headquarters, and in the same building a number of interventions were carried out to reduce consumption. The local public transport network was also enhanced to allow more people to leave their cars at home and reach the most significant parts of the protected area by bus. To promote cycling activities, a guide was published on the Park's cycle paths, entitled “Guida ai percorsi ciclabili del Parco”.

The Park's pilot projects included: the drafting of the »Energy Plan«, the installation of a photovoltaic system on the Park headquarters, the enhancement of local public transport and the publication of a guide to the cycle paths.

Dolomiti Friulane Regional Nature Park

Michele Cassol

Monitoring

A new method to monitor and analyze the effects of climate change on biodiversity implemented in the habitats and vegetation of the Dolomiti Friulane Regional Nature Park.

The monitoring activities conducted in the Park with the financial support of Climaparks Programme have been developed in three main steps: 1 Developing a standard method adapted to assess pioneer and poorly stratified snow bed vegetation. This step was carried out by the Friulian Museum of Natural History in 2010.

2 Field monitoring of high elevation communities, aimed at studying climate change effects on vegetation. This step was carried out between 2012 and 2013. The study area was Val Settimana, a valley in the municipal territory of Claut (PN). The study represents the â&#x20AC;&#x153;ground zeroâ&#x20AC;? of a set of monitoring activities that, with the future surveys included in the Climaparks Programme, will supply interesting information about the variations of plant coenoses living at high elevation in response to climate change. Moreover, the study allowed completing a careful soil analysis in the surveyed sites and supplying interesting information about the substrate where the coenoses thrive. The installation of a temperature control station and the continuous recording of hourly temperature values will generate important information to cross-monitor vegetation and climate changes.

3 Analysis of collected data. Detailed reports of the monitoring activities can be downloaded from www.climaparks.eu or www.parcodolomitifriulane.it. Detected plant units with respective surface areas (m2)

cidophilic Shrublands (Class LoiseleurioA Vaccinietea) Basophilic Meadows (Class Elyno-Seslerietea) Mountain Pine and Larch Woodlands, and Basophilic Shrublands (Class Erico-Pinetea) Scree Plants (Class Thlaspietea Rotundifolii) Rock Plants (Class Asplenietea Trichomanis)

A wave of emotions will hit you as you first reach the Dolomiti Friulane Regional Nature Park. A few steps only and you’ll be plunged into an unspoiled natural paradise! The beautiful Dolomite mountains have been classed as UNESCO world heritage site since 2009. The Park lies in the mountain landscape of the Friulian Dolomites, a uniform compact range characterized by a stunning series of peaks and summits offering breathtaking views and unexpected scenarios. The Park is teeming with wildlife. You will easily meet herds of roe deer, red deer, chamois, ibex, watch marmots and enjoy the flying show of golden eagles, the true kings of these valleys. Dolomiti Friulane Regional Nature Park Via Roma, 4 33080 Cimolais (PN), Italy phone: +39.0427.87333 e.mail: info@parcodolomitifriulane.it www.parcodolomitifriulane.it Visitor Centre • Andreis: Via Acquedotto 1 33080 Andreis (PN) • Cimolais:Via Roma 6 33080 Cimolais (PN)

• Claut: Via Antonio Giordani 33080 Claut (PN) • Erto e Casso: Piazzale del Ritorno 3 33080 Erto e Casso (PN) • Forni di Sopra: Via Vittorio Veneto 1 - 33024 Forni di Sopra (UD) • Forni di Sotto: Via Baselia 29 33020 Forni di Sotto (UD) • Frisanco: Piazza XX Settembre 1 33080 Frisanco (PN) • Tramonti di Sopra: Via Villaggio 6 maggio 16 - 33090 Tramonti di Sopra

Thanks to Climaparks Programme, an old bus station in Claut was rehabilitated to house a new Visitor Centre in the Park. The materials used for the rehabilitation of the premises are natural, eco-friendly and feature high insulation, as they have been manufactured from renewable raw materials and processed and installed with methods that are harmless for the environment and human health. They are recyclable and biodegradable, and demand low energy in their life cycle. A photovoltaic power system was installed on the roof of the visitor centre, so that carbon dioxide emissions in the atmosphere will be cut by about 6,325,000 g per year! After the works will be completed, the centre will accommodate an information point, a shop of local produce and the Museum of Claut House, with exhibits illustrating local traditions and customs from the past.

Eugenio Granziera

Romeo Pignat

Pilot Projects

Use of ecoefficient materials, reduction of environmental impact, energy saving, innovation, local traditions and customs are the characteristics of the new visitor centre in Claut

Veneto Regional Park of the Po Delta Monitoring

Within the project Climaparks, a study on songbirds was carried out in the Flood Plain of Ca’ Pisani, in the Veneto Regional Park of the Po Delta.

This research, carried out by the Association Sagittaria (Rovigo, Veneto, Italy) on behalf of Veneto Regional Park of the Po Delta, involved the study of songbirds in the Delta Veneto (Rovigo). The project was divided into two parts: activation of a ringing station with “Prisco” method, by capturing birds with mist nets, and studying the breeding population of

Passeriformes and related species. The site chosen has been the floodplain of Ca’ Pisani (Porto Viro), in the “Maistra” Po river branch, with extensive reed beds and riparian forest with a prevalence of willows. The capturing sessions, from March 2012 to April 2013, allowed to ring 1321 birds of 39 species. The highest number of catches were recorded in the months of April, September and October, at the time of migration season. Over 50% of the birds captured belonged to the following species: Blackcap, Reed Warbler and Robin, thanks to the presence of wetlands and wooded areas. Analyzing the phenology of the catches for many species, has been observed a good match with the national data, while for some other was, however, observed a delay in the passage. An analysis of the breeding population shown in some cases differences with the national or European trends.

From this analysis, it became quite evident that different species are showing rapid changes in density and range, not directly connected with changes in land use of the area of the Delta. Such changes could be directly linked with climate change. For Cetti’s Warbler and Zitting Cisticola, in fact, is known as large fluctuations are caused by very cold winters.

Monitoring

Veneto Regional Park of the Po Delta is a delicate balance between land and sea where the great river, the Po, flows into the sea, creating one of the most important wetlands in Europe. A unique piece of land and water, to be travelled slowly so as to discover its vast horizons, the charm of its dense network of water formed by the branches of the river and canals, and its thick reed beds The landscape smoothly changes from the mainland to the sea forming a mosaic of different environments, the riverbanks, the flood plains, the lagoons, the fish farm and sandbars. A landscape that, like an impressionist painting, changes colors and stimulates different emotions in the light changes from the pearly white of the fog that envelops everything in an almost suspended atmosphere to the surprisingly vibrant colors of spring. Veneto Regional Park of the Po Delta Via G. Marconi 6 – Ariano nel Polesine 45012, Italy www.parcodeltapo.org • The seacoast botanic garden of Porto Caleri: Caleri località Porto Caleri Rosolina mare, phone: +39 426 372202

• The Reclamation works Regional Museum of Ca’ Vendramin s.p. 38 Taglio di Po, phone: +39 426 81219 • Cultural tourist centre of San Basilio Località San Basilio Ariano nel Polesine • Visitor center of Porto Viro Piazza Matteotti 3 Porto Viro •C a’ Pisani flood bed Località Ca’ Pisani di Porto Viro

Within the project Climaparks, the Veneto Regional Park of the Po Delta activated a monitoring station of weather data at the Visitor Center of Porto Viro, which allows to visualize on real-time data related to rainfall, temperature, humidity, wind, and solar radiation. Within the project Climaparks, the Park has organized several meetings with stakeholders of the territory, addressing various issues and topics. This series of meetings ended with the submission of the Application Dossier to become the Po Delta Biosphere Reserve MAB (Man and Biosphere Reserve), where the emphasis is on forms of integrated management, participatory and decentralized development.

Veneto Regional Park of the Po Delta, thanks to the project Climaparks, had the opportunity to study on-going environmental changes taking place in the area and to prepare and test interventions to promote greater awareness on climate change.

Managing Body for Parks and Biodiversity – Po Delta Monitoring

The Monitoring of the effects of climate change on the biocenoses of the Managing Body for Parks and Biodiversity – Po Delta in the Emilia Romagna Region.

The assessment of the climatic effects on biocenoses requires the identification of species, taxocenoses and distinct communities that constitute indicators sensible to local weather and climate changes. Therefore, we had to identify key groups of umbrella species that undertake the role of indicators based on changes in vital rhythms or in the composition of communities in a given environmental compartment. The criteria for selection of taxa are summarized in the following two points: 1) Analyse community structures or taxocenoses through qualitative

composition and quantitative frequency analysis of the species that compose them in relation to specific geographic areas. 2) Identify taxocenoses, which constitute bioclimatic indicators susceptible to weather and climate changes in the Po Delta: a) Agile Frog (Rana dalmatina); b) carabidocenosis (Coleoptera, Carabidae); c) microteriocenosis (Mammalia, Rodentia, Soricomorpha). The analysis of carabidocenosis has showed a relative increase of Central

Asian-Turanian chorotypes and a simultaneous sharp drop in those from Northern Asia, highlighting that a replacement of faunas is going on through a process of alternation of hygrophilic species with thermophilic species. Even for microteriocenosis we have observed an increase of thermophilic species and a reduction of the mesophilic ones. Climate change could also affect the phenology of the Agile Frog with effects on its reproductive activities.

Sorex sp. and Suncus etrusus frequencies in the three periods: 1975-80 (T1), 2006-09 (T2) and Climaparks monitoring 2011-12 (T3). Percentage % 7 Suncus etruscus

Sorex sp.

5 4 3 2 1 0 T1

Collected

Managing Body for Parks and Biodiversity – Po Delta encompasses extraordinary natural attractions, which are interwoven with local history, tradition, culture and art, thus offering an unusual, surprising and unique landscape. The richness of the Park is due to the great diversity of its environments, populated by numerous species of plants and animals. This is a rich, but extremely fragile and delicate environment, in which the subtle and typical balance of the delta areas between sea, land and water, is likely to be damaged as a result of climate change, which is particularly evident in this area. This is a place of traditions and ancient crafts, characterised by artefacts and examples of how man has been able to manage over the years the balance between nature and culture, between land and water.

Pilot Projects Managing Body for Parks and Biodiversity – Po Delta Via Mazzini, 200 44022 Comacchio (Ferrara), Italy www.parcodeltapo.it • Cervia Salt Pans Visitor Centre Via Bova, 61 - 48015 Cervia (RA) - Italy e.mail: salinadicervia@atlantide.net • The Ecomuseum of the Argenta Valleys Via Cardinala, 1/c - 44010 Campotto di Argenta (FE) - Italy e.mail: info@vallidiargenta.org •T he Pickling Factory of Comacchio Via Mazzini, 200 - 44022 Comacchio (FE) - Italy e.mail:

manifatturadeimarinati@parcodeltapo.it

Pilot interventions were concentrated in two Stations of the Park. The Campotto of Argenta Station was equipped with 2 electric cars available at the Eco-museum of Argenta Valley to be used on specific eco-friendly and easily accessible routes to a broad array of visitors, offering an alternative means of transport to those who have limited mobility. Interventions at the Volano-MesolaGoro Station have been designed mainly for groups or schools. The visitor center has been equipped with a classroom and a laboratory where the guides may display the characteristics of the territory to reveal even its smallest secrets. There is also a bike fleet consisting of 25 traditional bikes, 5 assisted

bicycles and one electric bike for people with limited mobility. This makes the Station the perfect place for groups who want to discover the Delta and its nature and historical sites such as the Castle of Mesola, Bosco Mesola, the Torre dell’Abate and Torre della Finanza, the Oasis of Canneviè-Porticino, the outlet of the Po di Volano River, the Abbey of Pomposa, Goro and Gorino with their typical fishing ports and boats.

The pilot project of the Delta Po Park has been conceived to promote sustainable tourism routes, compatible with the fragile environment of wetlands and able to make visitors aware of the effects of climate change.

Vena del Gesso Romagnola Regional Park

Pierro Lucci

Monitoring

Two activities: one on migratory birds to check times (arrival, departure, nesting, hibernation) and reproductive success; and one on bats, for biological calendar and diet.

The constant effort ringing method, which requires 32 outings at constant intervals throughout the year, was applied to the bird population monitoring programme. The birds have been captured using a fixed installation of 22 mist-nets at Ca' CarnĂ¨. Almost 1,000 birds from 39 species have been marked, 200 of which have registered at least one recapture. Even working with

a rather low quantity of data over a relatively short period of time, it was possible to extract rather indicative information regarding the possible response of the bird community to meteorological pressure factors. For research activities on the chiropteran populations, various survey methods have been used to acquire more exhaustive information on the state of chiropteran fauna. Through the use of bat detectors we registered over 1,000 contacts ascribable to 9 certain species. From the control of the hypogeum environments it was possible to identify and monitor reproductive colonies and hibernating colonies with high numbers of specimens. Fifteen species were assessed in total. The information of presence and ecology of the species have proved to be fundamental in identifying the most important sites and environments for the conservation of bats in the territory.

Partner Province of Ravenna is co-manager of the Vena del Gesso Romagnola Regional Park. The Vena del Gesso Romagnola Park (6,000 ha) protects the world’s most impressive gypsum crystal outcrop with spectacular cliffs; the rock is Karst and there are more than 200 grottos, dolinas, sinkholes and resurgences. On the southern slopes grow species of Mediterranean scrub and rare Persian fern; to the north are thick woods, with mountain species in the gorges. There are large colonies of bats, wolves, wild cats, eagle-owls, peregrins. Man has frequented the Ridge since pre-history, when the caves were places of cult; the Romans were the first to extract gypsum for windows, and in the Middle Ages parish churches and castles were built on the gypsum ridges. Agriculture characterises the surrounding landscape and yields products of excellence.

Vena del Gesso Romagnola Regional Park www.parcovenadelgesso.it • Ca’ Carnè Shelter Visitor’s Centre. Via Rontana, 42 48013 Brisighella (RA), Italy •E nte di gestione per i Parchi e la Biodiversità della Romagna (Management organisation for the Parks and Biodiversity of the Romagna area) Via Saffi, 2 - 48013 Brisighella (RA)

Piero Lucci

Pierro Lucci

Pilot Projects

The ground floor extension of the Visitors' Centre is destined to be a “climate room”, with an interactive multimedia exhibition dedicated to the interaction between climate changes and the conservation of the environmental peculiarities of the Vena del Gesso Romagnola area. In fact, the two sides of the Ridge - extending 25km from Northeast to Southwest – have very different microclimates and flora

and fauna that are closely linked to the surrounding climate. The set up illustrates the problems linked to nature conservation due to climate change and informs us on what we can do to help. On the first floor is a conference room with didactic hall, decorated with the ornithological exhibition, in connection with the fauna exhibition on the first floor of the existing building next door. The building is set up to reduce energy consumption with a thermal solar panel for the services of the existing visitors’ centre and a barrel to collect rainwater.

The pilot programme consists in an extension of the Ca' Carnè Shelter Visitors' Centre, with a building for the multimedia »climate room« and didactic and conference room.

Quiz What animals besides bats reside in the Vena del Gesso Romagnola Regional Park? A Wolves B Giraffes C Bears The correct answer can be found in the presentation of the Vena del Gesso Romagnola Regional Park.

Chamois were equipped with telemetry tracking collars which transmit data on their locations via phone signal A every two hours. B twice a week. C once a day. The correct answer can be found in the presentation of the Triglav National Park.

What is the name of the area of the Sečovlje Salina Nature Park where salt is still harvested using only traditional methods? A Saltpans B Lera C Park The correct answer can be found in the presentation of SOLINE Salt Production Co. Ltd.

How many endemic animal and plant species are there in the Julian Prealps Regional Nature Park? A 5 B 1 C 60 The correct answer can be found in the presentation of the Julian Prealps Regional Nature Park.

What effect of increased sea temperatures has been detected in the sea of the Landscape Park Strunjan? A Higher numbers of gilt-head bream B Occurrence of sharks C Bleaching of corals The correct answer can be found in the presentation of the Landscape Park Strunjan.

When were the Škocjan Caves declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site? A In 1980 B In 2009 C In 1986 The correct answer can be found in the presentation of the Škocjan Caves Park.

How many bicycles can be rented in the Managing Body for Parks and Biodiversity – Po Delta? A 31 B 2 C 9 The correct answer can be found in the presentation of the Managing Body for Parks and Biodiversity – Po Delta. In the course of the Climaparks project, a new visitor centre was opened in a renovated: A army barracks. B old bus station. C mill. The correct answer can be found in the presentation of the Dolomiti Friulane Regional Nature Park. The most common bird species found in the Veneto Regional Park of the Po Delta include A Common Selfheals, Reed Warblers, and European Robins. B Eurasian Jays, Owls and Woodpeckers. C Golden Eagles and Capercaillie. The correct answer can be found in the presentation of the Veneto Regional Park of the Po Delta.

Notes

Publisher: Triglav National Park (TNP) Editors: Matej Vranješ, Špela Polak Design: Samo Jarc Photos: Dan Briški, Triglav national park, Sergio Gobbo, Luka Kastelic, Brina Knez, Soline Pridelava soli d.o.o., Borut Lozej, Marco di Lenardo, Elena Mattiussi, Romeo Pignat, Veneto Regional Park of the Po Delta, Managing Body for Parks and Biodiversity – Po Delta, Piero Lucci Print: Eurograf d.o.o. Bled 2013 Project partners are solely responsible for the content of this publication. The content of this publication does not necessarily reflect the official position of the European Union.

The Climaparks project is co-financed under the Crossborder Cooperation Programme Italy-Slovenia 2007-2013 by the European Regional Development Fund and national funds.

REPUBLIKA SLOVENIJA MINISTRSTVO ZA GOSPODARSKI RAZVOJ IN TEHNOLOGIJO

Ministero dellÎ&#x201E;Economia e della Finanze