On 14 December 2023, Francesco Marcone and Stefano Picchi of WWF paid a special visit to the Ninasco Farm, a fledgling enterprise that embraces not only agriculture but also a private coastal natural area, located between Tuscany and Latium border. The farm, with aspirations to integrate into the network of Italian private natural areas developed through WWF’s ENPLC and ELCN projects, is emerging as an excellent example of commitment to sustainability and environmental conservation.
The facility, located a few hundred meters from the sea and with an extension of about 5 hectares reaching the coastal dune and the Special Area of Conservation (SAC) of Tombolo del Paglieto Grande, offers an idyllic setting for environmental conservation initiatives. The visit highlighted the strong link between the Ninasco Farm and the surrounding nature, emphasizing the opportunities and natural values present.
In collaboration with the owner, Francesco Gentile, a shared vision emerged: to preserve the local ecosystem and actively promote biodiversity. The farm thus becomes a tangible example of how private enterprise can effectively integrate into the environmental conservation strategies outlined by WWF.
In addition, Ninasco Farm is planning an ambitious project: the creation of a multimedia educational farm and the sustainable enhancement of a nature trail on private land within the Natura 2000 network. This project, submitted in 2022 to LazioINNOVA, received significant recognition in the form of regional grant funding as the best cultural and creative startup in 2023. This initiative further demonstrates Ninasco Farm’s commitment and creativity in the field of sustainability and biodiversity promotion.
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NATURA 2000 BRANDING
Natura 2000 is the largest network of protected areas in the world. People living in and around Natura 2000 areas utilise these for a variety of economic activities. Designation of Natura 2000 areas often creates additional restrictions though, sometimes leading people to perceive Natura 2000 as a burden. One solution to this problem is to make products coming from Natura 2000 areas better known and more appealing to the public and increase awareness of the benefits these products provide for nature and for people working in Natura 2000 areas.
This website is part of a Natura 2000 branding campaign, stressing the benefits Natura 2000 can provide to local economies. It showcases products produced in Natura 2000 areas accompanied by inspiring background stories about the collaborations and socio-economic benefits related to those products. By sharing these successful and positive stories the campaign aims to trigger new partnerships between site managers, farmers and local businesses, and improve perceptions of and increase support for the Natura 2000 network.
Natura 2000 branding benefits people, nature and local economy