Territory management
Great participation and strong interest characterized the forum organized by Cia-Agriculturists L'Aquila-Teramo, which took place yesterday at the Agriturismo Capodacqua in Cermignano. The event, entitled “Damage from wildlife: from wildlife protection to governance and safeguarding of the territory, agriculture, water and healthy food production – Rethinking the land management model: cooperating to have a future for all”, brought together representatives from the scientific, institutional and agricultural world. The aim was to delve into the impact of wildlife on agriculture, agri-food and sustainable tourism, identifying concrete and shared solutions. The opening of the proceedings was entrusted to the president of Cia L'Aquila-Teramo, Roberto Battaglia, who underlined the no longer postponable need for a new approach to the management of wildlife, “The total protection of wildlife, although important, has led to an unsustainable imbalance. Today we are witnessing enormous damage in rural areas, which threaten the survival of agricultural businesses, biodiversity and the safety of the territories”. The forum was coordinated by the director of Cia L'Aquila-Teramo, Donato Di Marco, who led a series of high-level interventions, aimed at analyzing the critical issues and proposing sustainable strategies.
The impact of fauna
Cristiano Fini, national president of Cia, reiterated the importance of concrete and coordinated action between institutions and the agricultural world to ensure the sustainability of the sector. Giuseppe Martino, professor at the University of Teramo, analyzed the impact of wild fauna on livestock activities in inland areas, highlighting the decline of sheep and goat farming, which has always been a pillar of the rural economy of Abruzzo. "To counter this decline, it is necessary to support farmers with innovative protection systems and recover traditional livestock defense techniques, such as the use of guard dogs. Research and development of new technologies for monitoring predators can be an effective solution". Angelo Belliggiano, professor at the University of Molise, discussed the problem of wild fauna in rural development processes, underlining the need for innovative models of territorial management.
Sample collection
Angelo Cameli, a doctor from ASL 04 Abruzzo, and Dr. Alessia Ioannoni, ASL 02 Abruzzo, provided a detailed overview of the situation in the area, with particular attention to the role of veterinary services in controlling wild fauna and managing emergencies, with collection of samples sent to the IZS and verification of the causes of death. “From 2021 to 2024 we carried out 201 rescues of wild fauna in difficulty. An update of skills and greater synergy between institutions is needed to manage these situations,” Cameli highlighted. The data highlight the need for continuous monitoring and coordination between ASL and zooprophylactic institutes. It is essential to implement a centralized information system to collect and analyze data on wild fauna and plan mitigation interventions. “Wild fauna management requires updated data and targeted intervention strategies to address the growing conflict with livestock farming activities,” Ioannoni said. Veterinary services are supported with adequate resources and tools must be updated for health monitoring and emergency management. It is necessary to address the phenomenon of excess killing by wolves with specific interventions and effective preventive measures.
Clear responsibilities
The event covered topics such as health monitoring, management of emergencies caused by species such as wild boars and wolves, and the importance of a regulatory update to outline clear responsibilities between local authorities and veterinary services. The need to overcome current legislative gaps and activate synergies between institutions, farmers and local communities to resolve critical and emergency situations in the territory emerged. The regional councilor for Agriculture Emanuele Imprudente reiterated the commitment of the Abruzzo Region to supporting concrete solutions, "It is necessary to significantly reduce the number of harmful species, reaching a sustainable balance that protects farmers and the territory". The conclusions were again entrusted to President Battaglia, who relaunched the urgency of extraordinary measures and coordinated interventions, "Rethinking the management of the territory means putting agriculture and those who live in rural areas at the center. Only through real cooperation between institutions, farmers and local communities will we be able to address this emergency and guarantee a sustainable future for everyone". Cia L'Aquila-Teramo reiterates the need to overcome the current model of wildlife protection, introducing sustainable management strategies that guarantee the safety of the territories, the income of farmers and the protection of biodiversity. (Source CIA)