The value of biodiversity:
the Natura 2000 network

To guarantee the maintenance of natural habitats and species threatened with extinction is the objective of “Nature 2000”, the principal instrument established by the European Union for the conservation of biodiversity. It is an ecological network of protected sites denominated SCI (Site of Community Interest) and SPA (Special Protection Area), spread throughout the EU. In Lazio it covers about a quarter of the area, including Lake Bolsena.

What are the SCIs?

SCIs (Sites of Community Interest) were introduced by the Habitats Directive in 1992. They are important sites for the conservation of natural and semi-natural habitats and of wild flora and fauna.
The site “IT6010055 – Lago di Bolsena e Isole Bisentina e Martana” is a SCI.

And the SPAs?

The SPAs are zones for the protection of wild birds. They were formed after the adoption by the EU in 1979 of the Birds Directive.
The site “IT6010055, Lake Bolsena and the Bisentina and Martana Islands” is a SPA.
There are other SCIs and SPAs around the lake: here is a list.

What protection and conservation are these sites given?

The rules for the SPAs are aimed at protecting wild birds, their eggs, their nests and their habitats. They provide measures for the maintenance, restoration and creation of suitable habitats.
The law regarding the SCIs is more complex. The general objective is to guarantee the conservation of habitats, the species of fauna and flora of community interest and of biodiversity in general.

After the definition of a SCI, the first step for its protection is to establish and apply “Conservation Measures”; these in part are general and valid for all SCI, in part they are specific for the site and they respond in detail to the threats and pressures present. With the application of conservation measures the site becomes SAC (Special Area of Conservation).

One of the most important general laws, valid for both the SPA and the SAC, is to carry out an “Appropriate Impact Assessment” (AIA) for all plans and projects that have a significant impact for the site.

What are the protected species in the SPA of Lake Bolsena?

The complete list can be found here.
The site is defined as “of high naturalistic value for the presence of diverse and abundant fish species and rich hibernating birdlife”.
In particular, the nesting of the Black Kite (Milvus migrans) and the Caspian Gull (Larus cachinnans michaelis) is important: of this last, Bolsena is the only inland nesting site in the Italian peninsula.

What are the main threats for the SAC of Lake Bolsena?

The principal threats to habitats derive directly from the disturbance created by the action of man: first of all in terms of polluting substances in the lake, then due to an alteration in the hydrological conditions and in aquatic and lakeside vegetation.

Do the conservation measures confront these threats adequately?

No. The conservation measures adopted by the Region in 2016 don’t make reference either to pollution, or to the alteration to the aquatic and lakeside vegetation.

Why has the Region made this decision?

We don’t know. In spring of 2010 conservation measures and a consequent Management Plan were adopted by the Province of Viterbo and passed onto the Lazio Region for approval. These came out of a broad general study, co-ordinated by the Environment Office of the Province of Viterbo and developed by the University of Tuscia and by Lynx Nature and Environment Ltd. The best experts on the ecosystem of Lake Bolsena as well as the local administration and citizens were involved. The entire project was funded by the EU.
This study included a package of more than 60 specific measures for the site that would have allowed its global protection. The Region has adopted only three; two of minor importance – arrangements for the anchoring of boats and for carp fishing – and one important one, regarding the management of the lake water level.

How can we judge this?

It is a great wasted opportunity for our lake. Since the measures adopted by the region don’t satisfy the requirements of European law, we have indicated the fact to the EU.