On 14 November 2025, the University of Udine campus in Gorizia enthusiastically hosted the final symposium of the Interreg Italy-Slovenia E-NAT2CARE project, a highly anticipated event that brought together all the partners to celebrate the results achieved and reflect on the future of cross-border cooperation dedicated to the protection of shared natural capital. The event was well attended, confirming the strong interest in the region in the issues of biodiversity and ecosystem services.
The proceedings were opened with greetings from Anna Micelli, President of the Julian Prealps Nature Park, and Edi Piasentier, Director of the Department of Agricultural, Food, Environmental and Animal Sciences at the University of Udine. Their speeches emphasised the importance of cooperation between institutions, territories and expertise in order to effectively address the environmental challenges of the coming years. This was followed by the screening of the documentary “Ecosystems and ecosystem services in the Julian Alps and the Karst”, directed by Marco Virgilio, which took the audience on an evocative journey through the two natural areas at the heart of the project, highlighting the extraordinary wealth of ecosystems that characterise this border region.
The scientific presentations that enlivened the afternoon aroused great interest and actively engaged the audience, with various comments and questions from the public. Alenka Žunič Kosi (National Institute of Biology, Slovenia) opened the thematic session with a reflection on the role of forests, highlighting the deep link between forest biodiversity and ecosystem services. Stefano Filacorda (University of Udine) then illustrated the importance of large carnivores as indicators of ecosystem health.
The economic dimension was explored in depth by Silvia Ferrini (University of East Anglia and University of Siena), who showed how the economic valuation of ecosystem services can serve as a bridge between nature, people and decision-making processes. Elisa Tomasinsig (eFrame Srl) presented the sustainability strategies implemented by CAFC Spa for responsible water resource management.
The theme of water was further developed by Marialuisa Campani (ATERSIR), who shared experiences of improving ecosystem services related to integrated water services. Immediately afterwards, Lorenzo Bernicchi, Antonella Stravisi (University of Udine) and Martina Lužnik (University of Primorska) demonstrated the potential of cartography as a tool for knowledge, communication and management.
The presentations were concluded by Luca Strazzaboschi (For Nature Srl) and Francesca Visintin (eFrame Srl), who presented the development of an innovative model for Payment for Ecosystem Services, developed with an integrated water service operator in Friuli Venezia Giulia.
The success of the symposium testifies to the solidity of the path undertaken by E-NAT2CARE and the shared desire to continue to enhance the natural capital of the Julian Alps and the Karst. Cross-border collaboration between Italy and Slovenia continues to be a virtuous and promising model, capable of generating knowledge, good practices and new opportunities for the protection of our planet. A point of arrival, certainly, but above all a new beginning.
