abstract

The Comacchio Saltworks vegetation (Ferrara, Po Delta Park): ecological restoration and habitats conservation. The salt production into Comacchio Saltworks (Ferrara, Po Delta) began with traditional systems maybe 2000 years ago; the industrial production were obtained from 1810 until 1984. After the end of salt production the saltworks were leaved to the natural recolonisation, many halophilous habitats settled down and many animals choosed this biotope with a new semi-natural landscape.
Animal and plant features induced scientists to investigate it, and local administrations to protect the biotope, including in the Po Delta Regional Park, and then with a LIFE Nature Project for ecological restoration and habitats conservation. The actions include studies on the floristic and vegetational traits before and after the works for restoration; the results led to the realisation of a vegetation map digitally mastered.
The main communities identified on the basin banks and plains are typical of saltmarshes, as like as halophilous scrubs (Sarcocornietea fruticosae), mediterranean salt meadows (Juncetea maritimi) and glasswort swards (Thero-Salicornietea). In the last year we have recognized some new communities of Saginetea maritimae.
The studies of a pool of scientists involved into the LIFE Project have guided to a management plan, to guarantee the achievement of the Project aims and goals, mainly to maintain the species and habitats biodiversity and to preserve the biotope from adverse natural events or human impacts.

keywords

halophilous vegetation, protected areas management