New instruments to enhance the biodiversity of cross-border forest ecosystems
In 2006 the then European Commissioner for the Environment Stavros Dimas declared that if climate change attracts massive media attention, the loss of biodiversity represents an even more serious threat. This is due to the fact that the degradation of ecosystems often reaches the point of no return and extinction is irreversible. Such statements are still relevant today. Cross-border forest ecosystems are rich and diverse ecological units, but vulnerable and fragile due to the excessive exploitation of resources, climate change and not always appropriate forest management actions.
BIO∆4 project integrates the complementary competences of the Agency of Veneto Region for Innovation in the Primary Sector, University of Padova (TESAF Department) and the Chamber of Agriculture of Tirol, to design and test (in the forests of Cansiglio in Veneto, Ampezzo in Friuli Venezia Giulia and Land Tirol) new biodiversity evaluation models for forest ecosystems using biotic indices (also defining a prototypal biodiversity certification scheme), as well as operational models for payment for ecosystem services (PES) supporting legislative action in this matter. Foreseen
actions will enhance the biodiversity of cross-border forests, promoting their sustainable management.