This morning in compliance with the deadline set by the The Tuscan Regional Authority, Environment and Energy Department - Nature and Sea Protection Sector, our technical structure in collaboration with Dr. Alfonso Lenzoni and ACMA Toscana, sent comments and related proposals for changes to the "Drafting, updating and completion" of the 49 Management Plans of Natura 2000 sites in Tuscany. Following the participatory process open to all stakeholders, 59 substantive observations were formalized and transmitted by our offices, regarding the main measures that the Tuscany Region intends to adopt for each individual site concerned.
Already in February 2021, the Confederation of Tuscan Hunters had sent a substantial document to the Regional Councilor for the Environment Monia Monni in which some serious problems related to hunting were highlighted in some areas where hunting is now allowed. From a careful and in-depth analysis of the material published and elaborated by the Tuscany Region, it is clear that some of our initial concerns then materialized and aggravated in various restrictive measures introduced in the regulatory proposals of the individual areas of the Natura 2000 network (SPA / SAC etc.). A real "ax" for hunting and for the maintenance of important sites (especially wetlands) managed, maintained and preserved thanks to the commitment of hunters and their economic resources.
A concrete risk that today we strongly denounce, sounding an alarm to all interested parties. Our observations and proposed amendments, sent and processed in compliance with the regulatory procedures and deadlines, register cases that are nothing short of sensational. An emblematic example is found in particular on sites of great naturalistic and hunting value such as those of Piana Fiorentina - Prato and the Fucecchio Marshes and Sibolla Lake. The obligation to "dry out" in the summer months of lakes and artificially flooded surfaces, with consequent damage to the ecosystem, to the present and nesting birds and to biodiversity, is accompanied by other restrictions that would in fact lead to the impracticability of the hunting activity, where permitted today, and traditional hunts.
We refer in particular to the introduction of bans on fixed postings, their transfer of ownership, cleaning and mowing operations, the use of plant material, the possession of ammunition containing lead in addition to the restrictive measures that would also prevent the carrying out of wandering hunting. . Faced with this series of problems, quibbles and more or less explicit prohibitions, we cannot remain inert and passive also because everything risks passing into disinterest and general silence also given the conclusion with the consequent approval of the Management Plans scheduled for next autumn 2022.
As far as we are concerned, as always, we play our part by promoting initiatives also of a territorial and local nature, to make all these aspects known and work towards the necessary overcoming, before the legislation makes them binding. We will immediately ask for an urgent discussion with the Regional Councilor for the Environment Monni to illustrate and represent our concerns and requests and to verify the positions of the Regional Council on this thorny question. In the coming days, tables and forums for discussion will also be organized in the territory and in the areas particularly interested to which local authorities, representatives of political forces and various stakeholders will be invited (source: CCT).