Coldiretti: We need a definitive solution for the damage caused by wildlife to agriculture

Coldiretti: 2015 began with numerous protests in different regions by farmers for the persistence of the absence of well-founded and effective solutions to contain damage from wildlife. From wild boars to wolves, from roe deer to otters, agricultural businesses are now exasperated by the economic damage they suffer due to the absence of adequate countermeasures at national and regional level.

The problem was again brought to attention by Coldiretti on the occasion of the "Environment, Legality and Work" event, held in the Sala del Cenacolo of the Chamber of Deputies on an initiative promoted by Federparchi - Europarc Italia, the Universities of Milan, Naples, Pollenzo and Urbino, some hunting associations and CNN - National Hunting and Nature Committee, with the patronage of the Ministry of Economic Development. On the occasion, five projects for a new quality of life were presented with specific influencing characteristics on the issues at the center of the meeting. The initiative aims to bring about a new synergy between the environmental, agricultural and hunting world, starting from the assumption that agriculture, environmental protection and hunting practices are not in contradiction, on the contrary: the respect of the laws in force and the in-depth knowledge of the different positions it allows a virtuous collaboration, made up of discussion and common initiatives. The criticality in which the primary sector finds itself due to the increased damage caused by wildlife is now an extremely relevant fact both for the environment and for production activities. The current regulatory system no longer seems capable of maintaining and adapting the populations of all wild species in order to ensure a balance between their presence and the exercise of agricultural activity and environmental policies with the protection of natural resources, as well as of cultural and social values.

Coldiretti drew attention to a complex issue that requires a multidisciplinary approach in which the technical aspects related to the prevention of damage are accompanied by the legal investigation, aimed not only at reconstructing the overall regulatory framework, but at highlighting certain profiles proactive and the economic-estimative approach, considering that both wildlife and agricultural production activities confer tangible and intangible benefits to the community. The numerous agricultural enterprises at risk from damage caused by wild fauna and in particular by wild boars lay the foundations for an organic system of interventions aimed at the protection, management and control of the wild fauna species present in the area; to the prevention and compensation of damages; the planning of wildlife hunting activities.

Furthermore, Coldiretti highlighted the serious and growing phenomenon of the abandonment of agricultural land which generates anomalous forestation. When the residents leave the countryside, in addition to the loss of the garrison of the territory, there is an increase in wild ungulates and also in wolves in some territories. A brief picture of the change in agriculture since 1950 has therefore been drawn up, up to the greater increase in monoculture for which the land is destined, with consequent negative implications on the agri-food system. Food and agriculture must be a necessary, useful and very perfect combination.

The request by Coldiretti should be solved within the 5 proposed projects that address the following issues: the protection of the Marsican bear, the construction of the national register of wild ungulates, the importance of biodiversity and the management of wildlife, the enhancement food excellence deriving from law-abiding hunting practices, the construction of a European governance in wildlife matters. Each of these initiatives will have concrete repercussions on the environment, legality and work: fighting poaching, conservation of fauna and prevention of road accidents and damage to agriculture caused by some animal species, dissemination of agroecological production systems that enhance biodiversity for a compatible use of territorial resources, greater guarantees in terms of food safety and protection of human and animal health, enhancement of the most effective and efficient governance experiences in the various European countries in the field of wildlife management, creation of productive activities in food based on a correct balance between man and nature.

Finally, Coldiretti expressed his appreciation for the initiative, stating that the hunting policy and those relating to damage from wildlife are common interests and the collaboration between environmentalists, farmers and hunters must be an added value and lead to the definitive solution. of the problem.

20.02.2015