Immediate tools
The Lombardy Region's commitment to combating the coypu , an invasive species that continues to cause significant damage, continues and grows stronger. Three projects submitted by the Provinces of Mantua (€80.000), Pavia (€80.000), and Brescia (€65.500) have been funded as part of the regional call for innovative containment measures. The announcement was made by Alessandro Beduschi, Councilor for Agriculture, Food Sovereignty, and Forestry. "With these resources," said Beduschi, "we are giving local authorities additional, immediate tools to work effectively. Coypu containment is not a secondary issue, as this invasive species damages fields, compromises riverbanks, and jeopardises the hydrogeological safety of entire areas."
Innovative projects
This funding is designed to support innovative projects involving the use of specialized companies or associations (including hunting associations) for census, trapping, capture, disposal, and monitoring of coypu presence in affected areas. The measure is part of the broader three-year regional plan for coypu containment, already funded with over €1,2 million, and complements the important legislative development recently approved by the Regional Council's Agriculture Committee. An amendment introduces a new article into Regional Law 20/2002 for the containment and eradication of coypu. This article penalizes anyone who tampers with, damages, or interferes with traps and devices used in authorized containment operations. Fines range from €100 to €500. This is a quick and effective tool against sabotage, which has compromised numerous local interventions in recent years.
A void to fill
"It was necessary to fill a gap," Beduschi concludes. "We cannot fund the provinces to manage the coypu and then allow devices and traps to be damaged by those who obstruct operations. With this law, we strengthen the work of those involved, protect farmers, and affirm a clear principle: containment activities are of public interest, and Lombardy will not tolerate irresponsible behavior."
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