22 50

Region

Italy

07

Ecoregions

04

Members

22

% Protected


Much of Italy’s nature is imperiled, reflecting the economic and political turmoil of the mid-twentieth century. Obscured by this dreary reality is the fact that Italy was a conservation world leader at the beginning of the twentieth century. The 90s witnessed the restoration of the conservation movement to this country.

Mussolente, Italy. Photo by Federico Beccari.

Italy's Ecology

Early twentieth century conservation efforts helped to restore critically endangered species in Italy, like the unique Apennine chamois. But there is still a lot of work to be done, and not a lot of natural habitat remaining to do it in. Only a handful of Marsican brown bears and Sicilian fir trees remain in Italy’s fragmented wildlands. These species can be saved, but only with commitment to the restoration of critically threatened Italian landscapes.

Half (Mission Achieved)

Ecologically intact & protected landscapes comprise 50% or more of this country.

Can Reach Half

Intact landscapes lacking protected status comprise 50% or more of this country.

Could Be Restored

Between 20-40% of landscapes are still ecologically intact.

Imperiled

Less than 20% of the natural ecology of this area is intact.

Members

Rewilding Europe

Making Europe a wilder place, with more space for wild nature, wildlife and natural processes, and exploring new ways for people to enjoy and earn a fair living from the wild.

Learn More
The Nature Needs Half movement is only as strong as its member organizations. Discover more about the individuals and organizations who have committed to protecting 50% of the planet by 2050.
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EcoRegions

Marsican Brown Bear. Photo by Malene Thyssen.
Majella National Park

Cave paintings and the rare Marsican brown bear make this protected area a stellar example of Italy’s wildlife and cultural heritage.

Asinara albino donkey. Photo courtesy of Creative Commons.
Asinara National Park

Once a prison colony, this island has now been given over to native wildlife, including mouflons and cormorants in this autonomous region of Italy.

Italian carnivorous flower. Photo by Christian Fischer.
Riserva natural orientate Parma Morta

Cultivated fields surrounds this protected area, making it a small refuge for wildlife in one of this area’s last remaining wetlands.

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