Bioclima: a call to companies to save 16 ecosystems and 22 species in Lombardy

The goal of the call for proposals “Biodiversity and Climate” (BioClima) launched by the Lombardy Region is to enhance and restore 16 Lombardy habitats, five of which at risk of disappearance, safeguarding the survival of 22 native animal and plant species. This is a very important project for the protection of forests and biodiversity within the Lombardy Region that, with the allocation of 3.5 million euros, has set up an innovative formula in which public and private entities are directly involved in projects for the conservation of biodiversity, contrast and adaptation to climate change and enhancement of ecosystem services.

Just think that the Lombardy territory counts something like 246 Natura 2000 sites, i.e. alpine or plain protected areas that are part of a wide European network; however, looking at some data on the conservation status of habitats, we discover that 41% of those in the alpine area are in a favourable state, while in the plain only 10%. Pollutants, unsustainable silvicultural management, crop abandonment but above all the effect of the climate crisis and the introduction of exotic species are threatening delicate ecosystems such as wetlands, high altitude habitats, pastures, woods and forests.