From 2023 to 2025, the WWF Foundation – Miramare MPA will be involved, as a partner, in the Interreg Italy-Slovenia Project “POSEIDONE – Promotion of Green and Blue Infrastructures Dedicated to a New Environment.” The project includes an extensive program of monitoring, scientific dissemination, and environmental education activities aimed at studying and promoting extensive mussel farming within the UNESCO MaB Biosphere Reserve. These farms are considered marine-coastal biodiversity hotspots and potential sites for the development of ecotourism activities such as birdwatching and environmental education.
POSEIDONE, one of the three strategic projects outlined by the INTERREG ITA-SLO VI-A Program, focuses on the functional area of the Northern Adriatic Sea, stretching from Chioggia to the far end of the Slovenian coast.
The main goal of the project is to promote local development based on shared needs and challenges through interventions in three key areas: nature and biodiversity conservation, the development of green and blue infrastructures (within Natura 2000 sites and the agricultural sector), and the reduction of tourism pressure on natural parks and high-value natural areas.
The project’s actions will also aim to enhance biodiversity in agriculture by protecting native species to support the diversity of landscapes, including agricultural ones.
Additionally, improved governance of cross-border waste management will be pursued through awareness campaigns and concrete environmental cleanup actions.
Specifically, the WWF Miramare MPA team of experts will be involved in:
- Underwater monitoring of marine species inhabiting the mussel farming habitats;
- Monitoring of marine bird species of Union importance that rest on the floating structures and feed in the mussel farming habitats, with a particular focus on eiders and European shags;
- Design and testing of floating platforms to support marine bird species that rely on mussel farming habitats;
- Establishing a mussel farming area near the Miramare MPA for tourism and educational purposes;
- Dissemination and educational activities highlighting mussel farming as a sustainable harvesting method and an artificial habitat with high biodiversity, including the publication of outreach materials; citizen science initiatives to support monitoring activities;
- Promoting fishing tourism and nature tourism linked to mussel production and the biodiversity fostered by mussel farms.
