Objectives

The main objective of LIFE ALEXANDRO (2026-2031) is to improve the conservation status of the little ringed plover in Italy and Croatia.

Specifically, the project aims to:

  • Reduce direct and indirect threats
  • Increase breeding success
  • Improve and restore coastal and dune habitats
  • Strengthen the Natura 2000 network through new sites and management updates
  • Raise public awareness and promote sustainable behaviors
  • Create a replicable model for coastal management and conservation

Actions

The project includes a series of actions that intervene at different levels:

  • Preparatory actions: data collection on the species and habitats, development of scientific protocols, mapping of stakeholders, and analysis of best practices.
  • Field actions: nest protection, area demarcation, monitoring of nesting sites, restoration of dune habitats, and removal of marine debris.
  • Conflict mitigation actions: roundtable discussions with key stakeholders (e.g., local authorities, beach managers, and associations), drafting of a “Guide to Best Practices.”
  • Communication and awareness-raising: information campaigns, educational activities, and engagement of citizens, schools, tourism operators, and fishermen.
  • Replication and governance: development and strengthening of the Natura 2000 network and promotion of agreements with local authorities (“Pact for the Kentish Plover”).
  • Monitoring: evaluation of the effectiveness of actions and the environmental and socio-economic impact of the project.

Project Areas

The project spans 51 sites within the Natura 2000 network, distributed across 10 Italian regions (Tuscany, Lazio, Calabria, Apulia, Sardinia, Sicily, Abruzzo, Veneto, Emilia-Romagna, Friuli-Venezia Giulia) and Croatia.

In total, the project areas include:

  • Approximately 2,400 km² of land
  • Over 400 km of coastline
  • More than 44,000 hectares of coastal habitats

These environments include beaches, dunes, lagoons, salt flats, and wetlands, which are essential not only for the little ringed plover but also for a wide variety of animal and plant species.

LIFE Program

The LIFE Program is the European Union’s funding instrument for environmental protection. The overall objective of the LIFE Program is to contribute to the implementation, updating, and development of EU environmental and climate policy and legislation by co-financing projects of high European value.

Natura 2000 Network

Natura 2000 is a network of Sites of Community Importance and Special Protection Areas established by the European Union to protect and conserve habitats and animal and plant species of Community interest. The sites are designated by Member States based on criteria defined at the European level.