E-NAT2CARE
Specific objective: SO 7 - Enhancing protection and preservation of nature, biodiversity, and green infrastructure, including in urban areas, and reducing all forms of pollution
Typology: Capitalization project
The E-NAT2CARE project was designed to improve biodiversity conservation and the management of Natura 2000 sites in the cross-border region of the Julian Alps and the Karst. It was based on building on and transferring the knowledge, methods and results of the previous NAT2CARE project, particularly in the areas of monitoring indicator species and assessing ecosystem services.
As part of two cross-border pilot measures, monitoring methods for the Alpine longhorn beetle (Rosalia alpina) and the Ural owl (Strix uralensis) were refined and applied, whilst the research also included the hermit beetle (Osmoderma spp.). In addition to traditional field methods, pheromone traps, automated monitoring systems and citizen science approaches were utilised. Monitoring was extended to new areas, including the Slovenian Karst, Trieste-Gorizia Karst and the Nadiža Valley. The data obtained have contributed to a better understanding of the distribution of the target species and the characteristics of their habitats, whilst the refined methods provide a basis for further monitoring of the state of the natural environment and the planning of nature conservation measures.
The third pilot measure was aimed at transferring and applying the methodology for mapping and assessing ecosystem services in the cross-border Karst region. An updated atlas of ecosystems and ecosystem services was produced, along with a publicly accessible online GIS platform. The project also examined the roles of various stakeholders in providing and maintaining ecosystem services, opportunities for improving management measures, and the preparation of a basis for the development of payment schemes for ecosystem services (PES), particularly in the field of water resource protection. In this context, a payment scheme was devised between a protected area and the manager of an integrated water service. Based on the results, a new joint strategy for ecosystem services in the cross-border Karst and Alpine region was also drawn up.
A significant part of the project was dedicated to knowledge transfer and the practical application of the methods developed. Research institutions, protected area managers and other stakeholders from both sides of the border collaborated on fieldwork, the exchange of experiences and the preparation of specialist and educational materials. The project’s results were presented to various target groups through specialist workshops, practical demonstrations of monitoring, lectures for primary and secondary school pupils and university students, popular science lectures, nature days, biological camps and events for the wider public. A bilingual video on ecosystems and ecosystem services, an online learning module and a handbook for bird ringers were also produced. The results were also presented to the scientific and professional communities at the international conferences ESSE 2025 (Florence), ECOSERV 2025 (Poznań) and EUROPARC 2025 (Birštonas), as well as at the closing symposium in Gorizia. In this way, the project has also helped to strengthen cross-border cooperation and raise public awareness of the importance of conserving biodiversity and ecosystem services.
- The general objective of the project was to support the protection and development of biodiversity in PA through the implementation of pilot actions at cross-border level to monitor species defined as "bio-indicators".
- The common challenge of PA is to protect and actively conserve of the high level and widespread biodiversity that extends from the Alps to the sea through the Karst region.
- Implementation, transfer, and communication in order to use the results of the NAT2CARE project.
- Implementation and transfer of the output – ecosystem services configured as the third pilot action.
- The project implemented the ecosystem/habitat area and the ES with the Karst area, specifically in the MAB pilot area of Park Škocjanske jame.
- The cross-border cooperation will allow sharing common monitoring approaches and consistent measures for ecosystems/habitats protection, which are the same along the border from the Alps to the Karst.
- Identification and mapping of ecosystem services is a European methodology that was applied for the first time in a transboundary area.
- The communication was carried out on three levels: the first one is addressed to the partnership and managers of protected areas, the second one to the stakeholders of the sector and the third one to the general public and stakeholders in education and training.
Results
The project results include several pilot actions, namely: a cross-border pilot action for monitoring saproxylic insects (the Rosalia longicorn Rosalia alpina and the hermit beetle), a cross-border pilot action for monitoring the Ural owl and its prey, a pilot action for the identification, mapping and assessment of ecosystem services in the cross-border Karst region, and a joint strategy for ecosystem services, including management measures and a proposed payment scheme for ecosystem services.
Pilot actions
Within the E-NAT2CARE project, two cross-border monitoring protocols were developed, primarily intended for experts, researchers and managers of protected areas.
- Cross-border integrated monitoring protocol for saproxylic insects, which integrates different methods for monitoring indicator saproxylic species and contributes to more coordinated monitoring of their distribution, conservation status and associated forest habitats.
- Cross-border integrated monitoring protocol for the distribution and conservation status of the Ural Owl (Strix uralensis), which includes several approaches for monitoring the species, its prey and breeding success, and supports coordinated monitoring of the Ural Owl across the cross-border area.
Although the protocols are primarily technical tools intended for specialists, the target species, monitoring methods and the importance of their monitoring were also presented to the wider public through project activities in a more accessible format, including beetle models, presentations and information materials. Part of the material is also available from project partners, for example at Škocjan Caves Park.
Cross-border pilot monitoring of saproxylic insects
As part of the project, monitoring of the Rosalia longicorn (Rosalia alpina) and the hermit beetle (Osmoderma eremita) was carried out in the Italian and Slovenian parts of the Julian Alps and, for the first time, systematically also in the Brkini Hills and Istria. Using an advanced multi-pheromone trapping method, sampling was conducted in two contrasting forest environments: cool, high-elevation beech forests of the Alpine region and warmer lowland oak forests of the Karst–Sub-Mediterranean region. Both species are indicators of healthy forest ecosystems and are therefore monitored in forests that have retained their natural structure and biodiversity.
Cross-border pilot action for monitoring the Ural owl (Strix uralensis)
Monitoring of the Ural owl was carried out using nest boxes, acoustic monitoring and thermal imaging cameras. The monitoring was conducted in the Krim area and the Škocjan Caves Park in Slovenia, as well as in the Julian Alps in Italy. The monitoring results confirm that the species is still present in all three areas and that these sites continue to be of key importance for its conservation.
Pilot action for the identification, mapping and assessment of ecosystem services in the cross-border Karst region
Within the project, the methodology for ecosystem service assessment was further developed, and qualitative and quantitative analyses of ecosystem services were carried out across the project areas. To support this work, stakeholders from the Slovenian and Italian parts of the Karst were identified and mapped, and their roles and interests in the conservation of ecosystem services were analysed. As part of these activities, several workshops, seminars and lectures were organised, and a documentary film and a learning module were developed. The main outputs include a catalogue of ecosystem services and their spatial representation within the Karst pilot area in the form of an atlas.
The documentary “Ecosystems and ecosystem services in the Julian Alps and the Karst” presents the richness of the cross-border area’s ecosystems and the importance of ecosystem services for nature and people in an accessible way.
Educational module on ecosystem services
Within the E-NAT2CARE project, an online educational module was developed primarily for pupils and students and for use in educational activities. The module presents ecosystem services and their importance for people and nature in the cross-border Julian Alps and Karst area in an accessible format.
The online material is complemented by a short bilingual educational video, “What do rivers provide for us? / Kaj nam zagotavljajo reke? / Che cosa fanno i fiumi per noi?”, illustrating key ecosystem services provided by rivers, including freshwater supply, natural improvement of water quality, regulation of water flow, and reduction of flooding and erosion. It also highlights the importance of healthy river ecosystems for both nature and human society.
Joint cross-border strategy for ecosystem services, including management measures and a proposed payment scheme
Output 2.2 – New joint strategy for ecosystem services in the cross-border Julian Alps and Karst area
Within the E-NAT2CARE project, a joint strategy for ecosystem services (ES) in the cross-border Julian Alps and Karst area was developed. The strategy builds on the methodology developed and tested through the pilot actions and translates it into an operational framework for future planning, management and governance of ecosystem services. It also addresses priority actions, stakeholder involvement and the development of Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES) approaches.
The strategy document is available here
From Methodology to Software Use: The Infosheet for N2K Managers | Italy-Slovenia
Communication activities
Knowledge transfer and capacity building
Six professional workshops were organised for experts, including foresters, bird ringers, researchers and protected area managers. An information leaflet, a video highlighting the importance of ecosystem services (particularly relevant for protected area managers), and a seminar on protected area management were prepared for the professional audience. Project activities were presented at three international conferences (Italy, Poland and Lithuania), and the project partners also organised one international conference (the Slovenian Entomological Symposium). In addition, several scientific papers will be published after the completion of the project.
Technical manual for bird ringers
Within the E-NAT2CARE project, a technical manual for bird ringers was developed as a web application. The manual is intended to support the professional work of bird ringers, strengthen competencies for carrying out monitoring activities, and facilitate effective knowledge transfer across the cross-border area. The manual is available in Slovenian and Italian.
Manual for determination of age and sex of the owls (Strigiformes)
E-NAT2CARE at the EUROPARC Conference 2025 | Italy-Slovenia
Participation at the 12th European Symposium on Saproxylic Ecology (ESSE) | Italy-Slovenia
PRESENTATION OF DIFFERENT MONITORING METHODS IN THE ŠKOCJAN CAVES PARK | Italy-Slovenia
PROFESSIONAL SEMINAR AT THE SEČOVLJE SALTPANS NATURE PARK AND THE KARST EDGE | Italy-Slovenia
Training workshop on the importance of 3 bioindicator species | Italy-Slovenia
E-NAT2CARE GOES TO THE LEDRO ALPS AND JUDICARIA | Italy-Slovenia
Ural Owl and Alpine Longhorn Beetle in the Škocjan Caves Biosphere Reserve | Italy-Slovenia
Great participation and shared visions at the closing symposium in Gorizia | Italy-Slovenia
Education of children, young people and students
A total of ten lectures and five nature education days were organised for university students as well as primary and secondary school pupils, focusing on biodiversity and habitats related to the project activities and project area. In addition, two multi-day biological camps were organised for secondary school and university students.
BEKA LANDSCAPE PARK THROUGH THE EYES OF RESEARCHERS | Italy-Slovenia
Searching for Rosalia alpina | Italy-Slovenia
SUCCESSFUL STUDENT RESEARCH CAMP IN THE BEKA LANDSCAPE PARK | Italy-Slovenia
Practical demonstrations and activities for the general public
Sixteen events on the biodiversity of the project area were organised for the general public. These included guided excursions, biology evenings and public lectures. Events were held both in person and online through various platforms. In addition, five creative workshops were organised, some of them as part of larger public events, attracting a considerable number of participants. A one-day workshop on ecosystem service mapping was also held during the summer school at the Škocjan Caves Park.
Furthermore, 40 practical demonstrations focusing on the project's target and flagship species were organised for the general public.
We also kept the public informed about our activities and the project’s progress via our social media profile:
Outdoor lecture on the diversity of beetles in the Škocjan caves park | Italy-Slovenia
E-Nat2Care at the caves festival - Belajtnga | Italy-Slovenia
The fauna of the Julian Alps Biosphere Reserve | Italy-Slovenia
