NEMOS - Improvement of Alpine wetland areas

The project covers seven SCIs in the Province of Trento, in wetlands characterised by valuable alluvial forests, herbaceous river vegetation and underwater vegetation (priority habitats according to Directive 92/43/EEC). The NEMOS project represents the continuation and completion of actions already undertaken with positive results with the NIBBIO and NECTON projects.

The wetlands covered by the project - Fontanazzo and Inghiaie along the Brenta river shaft, Palù di Borghetto, Taio di Nomi, and Adige along the river shaft of the same name, La Rocchetta along the Noce river shaft, and Lago d'Idro along the Chiese river - provide specific habitats for many rare species, including many rare bird species that use these sites as important stopping points when crossing the Alps.
For several decades, human intervention has reduced and impoverished these habitats. Among the most serious reasons for their decline are the intensification of agriculture and the reduction of wetlands caused by drainage and modification of watercourses.

The project aimed to restore and improve the network of small valley bottom wetlands by integrating and completing two previous LIFE projects - "NIBBIO" and "NECTON" - building on their experiences.
The project involved the acquisition of land and the restoration of wetlands and river vegetation. Canals were to be renaturalised and new wetlands created.
It also provided for the designation of new Special Protection Areas for birds to encourage the restoration and improvement of wetlands.
The project foresaw the drafting of an action plan for the future management of wetlands using the decades of experience of the Province of Trento in the management of Alpine wetlands. Efforts were made to reduce the impact of human activity by improving existing agricultural practices. These efforts were accompanied by information and publicity campaigns aimed at the local population to raise awareness of the importance of wetlands.

At the time of the project's realisation, the competent PAT structure was called the Servizio Parchi e Foreste Demaniali.

The European Union, through the LIFE programme, granted funding of 40% of the total expenditure, up to a maximum of €796,947.