Memorandum of Understanding
Il National Park of Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise and Confagricoltura L'Aquila will sign a memorandum of understanding to strengthen collaboration on biodiversity protection, sustainable pasture management, prevention of wildlife damage, and the promotion of quality agricultural and livestock production. The agreement, which will be signed on May 14th at the Park headquarters in Pescasseroli by the Park's President, Giovanni Cannata, and the President of Confagricoltura L'Aquila, Fabrizio Lobene, stems from the shared understanding that the conservation of species and habitats, particularly the Marsican brown bear, and the future of agricultural and livestock farming must proceed together, through constant dialogue, shared tools, and concrete solutions.
Coexistence model
The protocol also enhances the model of coexistence built in the Park over the decades: an experience based on dialogue with local communities, support for traditional activities, conflict prevention, and the protection of species and habitats of extraordinary value. This approach has allowed for the combination of nature conservation, the presence of wildlife, and the continuity of agricultural and livestock activities, becoming an important benchmark for other areas facing similar challenges. The protocol recognizes the fundamental role of agricultural and livestock farms, especially those engaged in extensive, traditional, and low-impact practices, in landscape maintenance, biodiversity conservation, and the sustainable development of local communities. Farmers and ranchers are thus recognized as true "guardians of the land," protagonists of a viable balance between economic activities, the protection of inland areas, and wildlife protection.
Assessment of compensation
The planned commitments include technical support for prevention measures, such as electric fences, nets, and guard dogs; testing new systems to reduce conflicts with wildlife; improving procedures for assessing and paying compensation; monitoring the condition of pastures; and promoting agricultural production within the Park's communications network. Implementation of the agreement will be entrusted to a working group composed of technical representatives from the Park and Confagricoltura L'Aquila, which will develop an operational program, monitor objectives, and report annually to the participating administrations. The agreement will last three years and will remain open to participation by municipalities, organizations, and other interested trade associations, with the aim of becoming a shared model that can be exported to other areas.
A relationship to be stabilized
"This protocol marks a crucial turning point," stated Fabrizio Lobene, President of Confagricoltura L'Aquila, "because it allows us to overcome those communication gaps that in the past have fueled unnecessary tensions, to the detriment of all. I want to sincerely thank President Giovanni Cannata and Director Luciano Sammarone for believing in this process of dialogue: together, we have demonstrated that protecting biodiversity is not an obstacle, but a goal to be achieved by harmonizing respect for wildlife and the environment with the economic dignity and vital needs of our businesses. When institutions declare themselves open to dialogue and mutual listening, it is a victory for an entire region." "This agreement," stated Giovanni Cannata, President of the Park, "represents an important step towards building an increasingly stable and concrete relationship with the agricultural and livestock sectors. Protecting biodiversity cannot ignore the involvement of those who live and work in the region every day." The agreement confirms the parties' commitment to building a structured process based on shared responsibility, prevention, and participation: a concrete alliance for the future of local communities, the territory, and the Park, which finds biodiversity, agriculture, and sustainable livestock farming essential to its identity, reviving the model of coexistence called into question by the wolf massacre of recent weeks (source: PNALM).
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