510374 - SUSTAINABLE MANAGEMENT OF NATURAL AND SEMINATURAL HABITATS

courses

ID:

510374

Duration (hours):

88

CFU:

SSD:

BOTANICA AMBIENTALE E APPLICATA

Year:

2025

Date/time interval

Secondo Semestre (02/03/2026 - 12/06/2026)

Course Objectives

The main objective of the teaching is to develop the ability to analyze the management problems of natural and semi-natural habitats (forests, shrublands/heathlands, grasslands, wet zones and riparian habitats, also in the context of agro-ecosystems) and to develop possible sustainable solutions, based on the main regulatory and cognitive tools in force at European level. The expected learning results are as follows: - Knowledge of the Habitat Directive (Directive 92/43 / EEC) and related technical aspects (particularly, Management Plans and Conservation Measures, with notes on the Monitoring Manual of the Directive habitats). - Knowledge of the European Red List of Habitats and the assessment criteria used to define the conservation status of the habitats. - Knowledge of the main techniques of habitat management and invasive alien species (such as grazing, cutting, mowing, fire, mechanical disturbance). - Knowledge of EU Regulation No. 1143/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council and protocols for risk assessment of invasive alien plant species. - Knowledge of the key elements of restoration ecology and of methods for restoring natural habitats (serial maquis, flowers .). - Knowledge of the main management methods of semi-natural habitats specific to the agro-ecosystem (linear vegetation elements, field borders, buffer strips, etc.) aimed at the protection of biodiversity and the reconstitution of an ecological network. - Knowledge of European, national and regional reference regulations (CAP & RDP) supporting agricultural management paths aimed at environmental conservation. - Ability to apply the acquired knowledge to recognize habitat management problems and develop sustainable strategies for their resolution.

Course Prerequisites

Basic knowledge of Systematic Botany, with particular reference to the genera of wood species (Fagus, Quercus, Populus, Salix, Prunus, Acer, Fraxinus, Ulmus, Tilia, Carpinus). Basic knowledge of Geobotany, with particular reference to biological forms, chorological types and the phytosociological method of studying vegetation

Teaching Methods

The course includes lectures, laboratory and excursions. For the lectures, Power Point presentations are used, made available by the teachers on the e-learning platform. The laboratory will be dedicated to the interpretation and processing of vegetation data. During the excursions, the students are guided to the recognition of Directive habitats and to the evaluation of the management problems in place in these habitats. During excursions in the agro-ecosystem in particular, students will be able to intervene in the management of semi-natural vegetation elements. Attendance at laboratories and excursions is strongly recommended. To encourage inclusion, recordings of the lessons will be made available to students included in the list in Annex A attached to the 2024/25 teaching methods.

Assessment Methods

The exam consists of an individual oral test, aimed at ascertaining the skills acquired in relation to the teaching content. The test focuses on at least four/five distinct topics. The final assessment is based on the degree of depth and understanding of the topics presented and the ability to integrate the knowledge acquired during teaching. To encourage inclusion, the learning assessment methods will be agreed based on the specific needs of the students included in the list in Annex A attached to the 2024/25 teaching methods.

Texts

1) Ausden M., 2007. Habitat Management for Conservation. Oxford University Press. 2) Blakesley D., Buckley P., 2016. Grassland Restoration and Management. PELAGIC PUBLISHING. 3) Cristea V., Gafta D., Pedrotti F., 2015. Fitosociologia. TEMI, Trento. 4) Van Andel J., Aronson J., 2012. Restoration Ecology. The New Frontier, second edition. Wiley-Blackwell. 5) Redecker B., Finck P., Hardtle W., Riecken U., Schroder E., (eds.), 2002. Pasture Landscapes and Nature Conservation. Springer. 6) Capri E., 2021. Ecoresilienza e benessere umano. Vita e Pensiero, Milano.

The course aims to provide students with concepts, methods and tools to sustainably manage habitats and plant communities. Some notions of Geobotany are considered, useful for the understanding and discussion of management issues focused on two main goals: conservation and restoration. Natural and semi-natural ecosystems (grasslands, shrublands, forests, wetlands, riparian zones, linear vegetation elements, field borders, buffer strips, etc.) are analyzed with their main problems (for example, invasive alien species, abandonment, overgrazing etc.) and sustainable management methods (for example, cutting, grazing, mechanical disturbance etc.). Concerning semi-natural habitats, a focus Altre informazioni Verranno messe a disposizione degli studenti articoli scientifici, report e dispense inerenti i processi di prioritizzazione e i protocolli di risk assessment, nonchè altre tematiche affrontate durante il corso. Obiettivi Agenda 2030 per lo sviluppo sostenibile Goal 12, 15 Obiettivi per lo sviluppo sostenibile Codice Descrizione 12 Consumo e produzione responsabili 15 La vita sulla terra will be dedicated to agro-ecosystems, considering the impact of agricultural activity on the environment, environmental sustainability parameters and indicators, Agenda 2030 goals for sustainable development, protection of biodiversity in the agro-ecosystem, impacts of agriculture in Natura 2000 areas, high nature value agricultural areas (AA-EVN) and areas of ecological interest (EFA). The main mitigation measures for impacts due to agricultural activities will be illustrated and demonstrated. Particular attention is dedicated to the management of exotic species (illustrating the application of prioritization processes, inspired by the requirements of EU Regulation No. 1143/2014 and preparatory to risk assessment protocols). Particular attention is given to the Habitat Directive (including the linked management plans). Concrete case studies (addressed by the teachers and the structure in which they operates) are discussed in relation to Habitats particularly interesting for the Lombardy and northern Italian territory. The course includes excursions in lowland areas (Po and Ticino) or Apennine (northern) to recognize the Directive Habitats by means of guide species and discuss their sustainable management. Field visits are also planned to view concrete examples of low-impact and organic agricultural management and application of impact mitigation measures.

Course Language

Italian

More information

Scientific articles and lecture notes related to the prioritization process and risk-assessment protocols will be available to the students. The same material will be available for other topics discussed during the course.