Tuscan-Emilian Apennines
Co-creating a conservation vision for forests and grasslands in the northern Apennines.
This planning grant has supported the co-creation of a new conservation vision for the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines. Spanning 155,000 ha above 600 metres, the mountains form a strategic refuge and corridor for species adapting to climate change. The landscape is characterised by forests and grasslands, many of which have been progressively abandoned over recent decades.
Tuscany and Emilia Romagna, Italy
Legambiante Nazionale APS
US$ 94.985,00
October 2023 – December 2024
155,000 ha
Forests, grasslands, mountain ecosystems
Why This Landscape Matters
This landscape is home to 14 species of amphibians, including the Italian cave salamander.
The northern Apennines are a vital ecological link in Europe, connecting landscapes and providing migration routes for wildlife as species shift in response to climate change. The area also sustains rural livelihoods and cultural traditions tied to mountain farming and grazing.
However, land abandonment and changing land use are altering the ecological balance. Without intervention, open habitats that support threatened species and cultural landscapes risk being lost, reducing biodiversity and the resilience of ecosystems.
What the Project Did
The grant has enabled partners and stakeholders to jointly develop the Northern Apennines Conservation Plan, designed to guide restoration and long-term management. Key actions included:
Promoting the recovery of open environments that host threatened species and habitats.
Identifying restoration priorities for forests, grasslands, and open habitats.
Supporting climate resilience by restoring natural processes.
Integrating restoration with support for traditional rural activities.
Conducting a bottom-up participatory process to create a shared vision for the landscape’s future.
Looking Ahead
Through collaborative planning, the project will provide a roadmap for restoring the ecological health of the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines. The Conservation Plan will align ecological restoration with rural traditions, helping to sustain biodiversity, strengthen resilience to climate change, and maintain the cultural and natural values of this mountain region.
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