The activities of the LIFE BEEAdapt project continue in the Agro Pontino area, one of the project’s pilot sites.
The Pontine Plain is a region highly suited for agriculture, primarily for vegetable, fruit, and wine production. It ranks as the third Italian province in terms of agricultural turnover. However, this intensive agricultural activity, combined with climate change, poses a significant risk to pollinators.
The LIFE BEEAdapt project actions include the creation of new green infrastructures, such as transects of melliferous flowering species—selected by the pilot area partners in collaboration with the University of Camerino—and the adoption of agricultural practices aimed at protecting pollinator populations. These efforts also involve testing measures outlined in the new Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). These activities are facilitated by Confagricoltura Latina, a project partner managing the Agro Pontino area.
In recent months, various pollen- and nectar-producing plant species, such as sage, rosemary, lavender, and many others, have been planted on farms in the area, including the “Boschetto” farm in Pontinia (LT) and the “Niccolini” one in Giulianello (LT). However, the drought that affected this region during the last spring-summer season has severely challenged their survival.
To further protect pollinators and support their reproduction, Bee Hotels have been placed near these plants. With the arrival of winter, it is crucial to provide shelter for these insects, whose pollination activity is essential for the successful harvests of these farms!
The implementation of the project in this area aims to achieve ambitious results, including the involvement of a total of 7 farms, the restoration of 866 hectares of grasslands, the creation of 10,000 square meters of new green infrastructure, and the installation of 85 shelters for pollinators.
To learn more about the activities of Life BEEAdapt in this region, watch the video showcasing the interventions carried out and planned:
