Managing outdoor activities to minimize visitors’ impact on biodiversity: that was the focus of the first pilot site visit of the LiveAlpsNature project (Interreg Alpine Space), hosted by Aree Protette dell’Ossola in Crodo (IT), from February 5th to 7th, 2025.

Director Daniele Piazza and park ranger Radames Bionda presented how wildlife and visitor monitoring serve as the basis for concrete conservation measures. Through field observations, surveys, and spatial analysis, the park established specific quiet zones and regulations, aimed at protecting species particularly sensitive to human presence, such as the black grouse and the rock ptarmigan. Park rangers Marco Rughetti, Dario Gisotti and Luca Martignoni then guided the participants on an excursion across Alpe Devero to Crampiolo. This allowed the group to observe firsthand the park’s actions within both its borders and the nearby Natura 2000 site.

The rangers gave an overview of the main outdoor activities carried out in the protected area and its buffer zone. They explained, for example, how the presence of a small ski lift and the relief conformation particularly suitable for ski mountaineering encourage off-piste descents in areas where these birds build their snow shelters. To avoid human-related disturbance, the park has demarcated winter quiet zones and suggested specific routes for skiers, adopting targeted communication across various media. Practitioners are informed through various media, including open maps and tracks, and panels displaying the park regulations and the behavioural recommendations promoted by the Be Part of the Mountain initiative.

Surrounded by a stunning snow-covered landscape, participants shared experiences from different protected areas and countries, while considering opportunities for future cooperation. Throughout the meeting, ongoing project activities were discussed. Thanks to the partnership's diverse expertise, plenty of valuable input was collected to help shape the next steps of LiveAlpsNature.

It was a pleasure to reconnect, work together, discover the Ossola protected areas and, of course, enjoy Italian cuisine!

For more information about the project: https://www.alpine-space.eu/project/livealpsnature/

The LiveAlpsNature project is co-funded by the European Union through the Interreg Alpine Space programme, which supports cross-border cooperation projects between seven Alpine countries.

© photo: Pietro Merzi / ALPARC