The "Manifesto for Biodiversity" is the initiative of FACE (European Federation of Associations for Hunting and Conservation) which is part of the European framework of the actions required by the European Biodiversity Strategy. They collect i contributions from hunters in the protection of habitats and species by demonstrating their participation in achieving the objectives described in the strategy itself. The Project was born in 2010 and has been developed by elaborating 8 sections that recall 34 specific actions in which the commitment of European hunters is concentrated: habitats, species, protected areas, sustainable use, green infrastructures, ecosystem services, investments in nature. The “Project of the month” is dedicated to the umpteenth experience made by Italian hunters.
This is the work carried out by a group of passionate Tuscan hunters, from Prato to be precise, coordinated by Alfio Cardini. The context is the named wetland "Pantanelle", located on the western outskirts of Prato. It is ten hectares structured in two areas divided by an embankment: five hectares for hunting use and five of non-huntable area, but always maintained in the smallest details both in terms of water and the environment as a whole. A group of ten passionate hunters manage the area who with commitment and not a few sacrifices dedicate twelve months a year to the maintenance of this beautiful wetland. Their great passion and experience means that this natural paradise is not only beautiful to look at but also full of animals.
Already since February migrating birds they stop in large numbers, thanks to the careful management of the habitat that allows the fauna to stop, feed and then reproduce. Over the course of this year they have been surveyed one hundred and twenty births of mallard, to which must be added several breeding pairs of Cavaliere d'Italia, Bittern, Coots, Gallinelle, Great Grebe, Little Grebe and Stork. There is a high presence of Ardeidae and Limicoli and of different species of small passerines such as Forapaglie, Cannareccione, Cannaiola, Migliarino.