Recently the Confederation of Tuscan Hunters presented a proposal for the enhancement and management of the wetland area of Marshes of Fucecchio. The project is the result of a shared work with many of the various associations in the area to collect the best experiences and bring their qualified wealth of knowledge and experience. It is necessary to start again from our traditions, from our history and from our culture to reach the maximum valorisation of the Marshes. It makes no logical sense to impose certain conditions on those who, like owners, hunters, farmers, they hold over 80% of the properties and shares of the marsh crater.
Contrary to what has been done to date, it is necessary to look at the whole from an overall perspective "Swamp" system, involving and empowering all the players in the area, logically starting from those who live this reality every day. In this context, we can also really think of an economic development of the marshes, harmonizing the safeguarding of biodiversity with the use of environmental tourism and hunting traditions. An extremely important example that supports the participatory path proposed by the CCT to bring the reality of Fucecchio to life is the one developed at the “Porto allo Stillo” Ornithological Center, which is affiliated with and financed by the CCT.
Spring is a period of great ferment for the Ornithological station of Porto allo Stillo and for the equipped area of the Casotto del Sordo managed by the “Padule” Association. There are many, during this period, the visits of tourists, school trips and events. A way to enhance this territory and make the life and traditions of these places known. The volunteers of the Il Padule association welcome and educate visitors and schoolchildren on the traditions and works that have always characterized this important corner of Tuscany: fishing, hunting, collecting marsh grass and basketry etc. Over the years, the constant commitment of the association has made it possible to improve the reception of customers more and more by offering an ever greater number of services. Many come to do a visit in a small boat along the canals up to the ornithological observatory from which it is possible to observe the typical fauna of the place in the clear facing.
Il casotto del Sordo also offers, by agreeing in advance with the association, the possibility of refreshment even on days other than the scheduled events. From this year a small room has also been set up where it is possible observe the products deriving from the art of weaving herbs and a photographic collection that takes us back at least 40 years, showing a completely different environment from what we observe now. The collaboration between the Ornithological Observatory and the Il Padule Association has now been consolidated over the years, with mutual help that has allowed and permits the carrying out of their respective activities.
In particular, during the days of activity of the ornithological station school groups are conducted, if the conditions of the water levels allow it, at the observatory. Here they can directly attend the ringing practices for scientific purposes and be educated on the flora and fauna that populate the Padule. The CCT therefore intends to intensify and qualify these activities aimed at young people and the community in the future. A commitment of those who want to get out of slogans, to demonstrate how hunting and hunting culture can represent a source of knowledge and good wildlife management even of complex ecosystems.