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 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. The E-NAT2CARE project pursued the objectives of implementation, transfer, and communication in order to use the results of the NAT2CARE project. The general objective of the project was to support the protection and development of biodiversity in PA through the implementation of 2 pilot actions at cross-border level to monitor species defined as "bio-indicators": Rosalia Alpina and Strix Uralensis in the protected areas UNESCO MAB of the Julian Alps and the Slovenian Karst (pilot area the MAB of Park Škocjanske jame), Trieste and Gorizia.
- 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
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 an educational video 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.
Joint cross-border strategy for ecosystem services, including management measures and a proposed payment scheme
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.
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.
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
