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Esperia - Italy

Assisted natural regeneration

The Esperia project is an Assisted Natural Regeneration and sustainable forest management project, located in a mountainous region of northern Italy and covering 30 hectares.

2024 - 2025
A financer
Surface
30
ha
Nombre d'arbres
45 000
Résumé du projet
The Esperia project is an Assisted Natural Regeneration and sustainable forest management project, located in a mountainous region of northern Italy and covering 30 hectares. It adopts an innovative approach combining natural seed dispersal, enrichment planting and regeneration management. The aim is to restore a forest degraded by logging, overgrazing and fire by August 2024. The project uses special dispensers (ghiandatoie) to encourage the dispersal of seeds, in particular oak acorns and berries, by attracting European Jays, key players in this regeneration. Around 400,000 seeds will be dispersed, mainly acorns from various oak species (holm, cork and pubescent), with a target of 300 to 400 seeds per hectare. Enrichment planting of 10,000 seedlings over 60 hectares is also planned, with oak, maple, ash and other species to enhance biodiversity and resilience.
Principales essences :
Ostrya Carpinifolia, Quercus pubescens, Quercus ilex, Acer campestre, Acer monspessulanum, Fraxinus ornus, Quercus cerris, Juniperus communis, Carpinus orientalis, Cornus mas
Nombre total d'essences :
11
Photo d'un distributeur de grainesPhoto du massif en Régénération Naturelle sur lequel des graines seront seméesPhoto du massif en Régénération Naturelle sur lequel des graines seront semées
Sur le terrain
Contexte local

The region is marked by frequent summer droughts, which have an impact on the growth of local forests. Historically, the forest has been subject to traditional forest management, including coppicing and grazing. However, the forest has undergone significant degradation, notably due to illegal logging and a fire in August 2024, which devastated much of the vegetation.

Actions sur le terrain

Assisted Natural Regeneration takes place over several years:

  • Collecting seeds;
  • Planting 7,000 to 10,000 seedlings in the affected area;
  • Managing dead shoots;
  • Emergency watering of young trees;
  • Preparing the soil;
  • Installing protective devices for young trees.
Impact
CLIMAT
Contributes to the mitigation of the greenhouse effect and influences precipitation patterns and the local microclimate.
BIODIVERSITÉ
Preservation of local biodiversity by providing suitable habitats and resources.
EAU ET SOLS
Influences the quality and integrity of the soil-water system, and the cycling of water and nutrients.
SOCIAL & ÉCONOMIQUE
Supports human well-being, by providing resources, income, education, and supporting recreation and heritage.
Contribuer aux Objectifs de Développement Durable (ODD)
Le projet Esperia (Italy) contribue aux Objectifs de Développement Durable suivants :
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