Permanent cross-border observatory on the biodiversity situation in the Karst area
Across the Italian-Slovenian border, the Karst area is a meeting point for species from Central Europe, the Alps, Italy, the Mediterranean and the Balkans, with a high degree of biodiversity. This situation is eloquently witnessed by the number and extension, both in Italy and in Slovenia, of the areas covered by the Habitat and Birds directives (Natura 2000 Network), and by regional and national laws on the conservation of nature. The current project aims at setting up an Italian-Slovenian technical-scientific working party and a Centre for the assessment of the environmental situation in the Karst area; the monitoring of overall biodiversity is envisaged, together with the study of some habitats and vegetal and animal communities. In a later stage, these aspects are connected with human presence and activities. The Centre has the task of collecting, in a common database, all the data gathered during the research already carried out or still in progress in the Karst area, paying particular attention to the distribution of animal and vegetal habitat and species. A permanent monitoring system is used to assess the situation: some animal and vegetal habitats (with their related communities) are employed as indicators (or reference systems). The centre collects also the data concerning the projects in progress - both those of a scientific nature and those aimed at the conservation of nature and the sustainable use of the territory. The exchange of experiences and knowledge connected to these projects is fostered. Finally, an international university course is promoted, focusing on the issues of sustainable development and biodiversity conservation, to encourage the exchange of teachers and students.