Work

Natura 2000 network sites in Calabria coastal regions (southern Italy): The case study of Crati River

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: The Natura 2000 network is the main tool established by the European Union for biodiversity conservation. The cornerstones of this natural infrastructure are, actually, represented by the Special Areas of Conservation (SAC) and the Zones of Special Protection (ZPS). In the Calabria coastal region, this network is formed by 44 ZSCs widespread along the regional coastline. In this way, most of the Natura 2000 sites are located in continental areas, as 75% of the whole, and every key area includes some natural habitat types. In particular, the greater number of habitats is concentrated in transitional environments, as the case study located in the mouth of the Crati River, including 17 habitat types. However, the geographic distribution of Natura 2000 sites is quite unbalanced because most of the SACs are located in continental landscapes, 75% of the whole, while only 25% are concentrated in coastal regions. This irregular distribution of the network leads to a loss of biodiversity levels from continental to coastal areas. So, the implementation of the Natura 2000 network could be the main tool to connect terrestrial and coastal regions not only for biodiversity conservation but also to improve the social and economic conditions of local people.

Source: Natural Resources Conservation and Research

DOI: 10.24294/nrcr11556

Author: Nicola Cantasano

Institution: Institute for Agricultural and Forest Systems in the Mediterranean

Language: English

Topic: Ecology, Conservation, and Geographical Studies

Subfield: Nature and Landscape Conservation

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Life on land

Open Access status: diamond

Funder: Regione Calabria