Last days
Following the debate that has erupted in recent days following the approval of the new Regional Wildlife and Hunting Plan , and the dissemination of misleading information and downplaying of its effects by self-styled experts, doctors without degrees, and amateur interpreters, who continue to maintain that little or nothing has changed and that "certain associations" are instead needlessly fueling the controversy, we felt it necessary to put everything down in black and white. Either this PFVR was designed not to be implemented, or hunters will gradually see its effects during the implementation phase. We do so through a timely and detailed document, in which we clearly distinguish the positive aspects that have been introduced—although very little—from the numerous and profound critical issues that remain unresolved.
Point by point
These are the same critical issues that Federcaccia Toscana-UCT, together with Enalcaccia Toscana and ANUU Migratoristi Toscana, have highlighted since the publication of the new text, bringing them to the attention of hunters, political forces, and institutions through in-depth technical work and a mobilization that has involved the entire region. Those who continue to maintain that nothing has changed have either not carefully read the Plan, or have consciously chosen not to address the consequences that many of the new provisions may have during the implementation phase. The document we are publishing analyzes the facts, point by point, setting aside self-serving reassurances, simplifications, and convenient narratives.
WHAT HAS CHANGED AND WHAT CRITICAL ISSUES REMAIN? A FEW POSITIVE FIXES, BUT THEY'RE NOT ENOUGH
Some amendments, obtained thanks in part to our observations, have mitigated the privatization bias of the initial text and prevented the early implementation of some European provisions on lead. These are significant improvements, but insufficient to express a positive opinion on the Plan.
THE ROLE OF HUNTERS AND ATC HAS BEEN REDUCED
Hunting is portrayed primarily as a nuisance to be limited, while hunters' contribution to biodiversity, wildlife management, and territorial protection is overlooked. The role and autonomy of the ATCs are also undermined.
FIXED POSTS: MORE CONSTRAINTS AND LESS CERTAINTY
The Plan fails to adequately recognize the environmental value of fixed posts and introduces restrictions that could make new installations and relocations difficult, even when the relocation is due to causes beyond the owner's control.
NATURA 2000, SIR, AND pSIC: GENERALIZED LIMITATIONS
Restrictions are extended to very different types of areas, without assessing the actual impact of hunting on protected species and habitats on a case-by-case basis. The risk is that restrictions are imposed that are ideologically motivated and poorly justified from a technical standpoint.
AN INCREASINGLY “SEMI-PROTECTED” TUSCANY
Alongside actual protected areas, the areas in which hunting remains formally permitted, but is subject to increasingly stringent and discretionary restrictions, could increase.
NATURA 2000 NETWORK SITES AND LIMITATIONS ON STANDINGS
In Natura 2000 sites, maximum densities for beekeeping are set that are significantly lower than current regulations. This threshold could make the relocation of existing facilities nearly impossible and impact the more than 1.700 affected beekeeping sites.
VINCA: MORE COSTS, MORE TIME, AND MORE BUREAUCRACY
The new procedures could lengthen permit processing times, increase costs for hunters, and burden public offices, potentially leading to a real bureaucratic bottleneck.
MORE LAND CAN BE REMOVED FROM HUNTING
The new regulation expands the scope for excluding rural lands from scheduled hunting, with the risk of further reducing the territory available for hunting.
SUITABLE AND NON-SUITABLE AREAS: BOUNDARIES ALWAYS UNDER DISCUSSION
Revisions to the boundaries after one, two, and five years will unsettle the management area boundaries. This could impact the organization of wild boar hunting teams, selection districts, and the activities of the ATCs.
FAUNA SUBORDINATED TO AGRICULTURAL INTERESTS
The Plan risks affirming the principle that wildlife must be drastically reduced wherever agricultural activity is present. This vision is far from balanced and scientifically sound management of wildlife.
DEER: MANAGEMENT PROBLEMS WITHOUT ANSWERS
The PFVR does not adequately address the imbalances affecting roe deer and red deer in various areas of Tuscany, leaving unresolved critical issues that impact the conservation and proper management of populations.
A POLITICAL AND MANAGEMENT CONTRADICTION
On the one hand, there are calls for hunting restrictions in the name of animal protection; on the other, a plan is being approved that, in agricultural areas, aims to significantly reduce wild fauna. Two opposing approaches that fail to achieve any real balance.
HUNTING CALENDAR: NEW RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES
The reference to the "Key Concepts" and the European Migration Atlas could encourage new restrictive interpretations, further appeals, and greater instability in hunting calendars. With the Common Plover and the Northern Plover already sacrificed.
OUR ACTION CONTINUES
Federcaccia Toscana-UCT, Enalcaccia Toscana, and ANUU Migratoristi Toscana will continue to protect hunters with technical, scientific, and legal arguments, without giving in to reassuring narratives lacking any evidence. We will examine each provision in detail and undertake all necessary initiatives: the implementation phase, above all, will demonstrate who correctly interpreted the Plan and who minimized its effects.
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