The Italian training and capacity-building programme for LIFE A-MAR has concluded: Action B.3

The Italian phase of Action B.3 of the LIFE A-MAR project, dedicated to training and capacity-building for managing bodies of Natura 2000 marine sites and stakeholders, has concluded Coordinated by Federparchi, the programme comprised 12 training sessions held between June 2025 and March 2026, structured as a coherent yet flexible course capable of adapting to different local contexts and the needs of the participants involved

One of the most valuable aspects of the initiative was its methodology. The programme was structured according to a clear progression: an initial section providing a general overview of the Marine Natura 2000 Network, communication and the European framework; a second, more territorial and operational section, developed in collaboration with the three co-funding parks; and finally, a series of technical and political-institutional sessions dedicated to management tools, standard forms, conservation objectives and measures, and new regulatory challenges, such as the European Nature Restoration Regulation.

The programme consistently integrated conservation and communication content, based on the idea that the effective management of marine Natura 2000 sites requires not only technical expertise, but also the ability to translate complex issues into clear, accessible and useful messages for visitors, operators and local communities.

In terms of outcomes, Action B.3 involved managing bodies, technical experts, environmental educators, guides, hospitality staff, professionals and other stakeholders active in the local areas. The 12 meetings attracted a total of 420 participants, significantly exceeding the minimum target of 250 people set for the Italian component.

The programme also benefited from the contribution of speakers from institutions and organisations of national and European significance, including the Ministry of the Environment and Energy Security, the European Commission, ISPRA, ISTAT, IUCN Europe, Sogesid, Federparchi and the co-funding parks. This strengthened the technical and institutional value of the activities and facilitated dialogue between different levels of expertise, from the European framework to practical management on the ground.

As part of the meetings aimed at guides, environmental educators and local operators from the three co-funding parks, Federparchi also used interactive sessions via Mentimeter as a participatory tool to bring out perceptions, recurring misunderstandings and key messages regarding the Natura 2000 Marine Network. The results revealed a very strong common ground, linked to biodiversity, protection, habitats and conservation, but also the need to better clarify the distinction between Natura 2000 sites and marine protected areas, thereby strengthening the narrative capacity of practitioners in the field.

Key achievements include a better understanding of the Marine Natura 2000 Network, an improved ability to communicate biodiversity issues effectively, the sharing of best practices and case studies, and greater integration between overall project planning and the specific needs of local areas. .

Luca Santini, President of Federparchi, emphasises: “With Action B.3, we sought to create not just a series of meetings, but a genuine shared workspace between institutions, managing bodies, technicians, guides and local operators. The protection of Natura 2000 marine sites also depends on the ability to speak a shared language, to explain the value of biodiversity effectively, and to involve in a practical way those who live in and visit these places. This initiative brought significant results both in terms of participation and the quality of the dialogue, and confirms Federparchi’s role in bringing together different stakeholders around a shared vision of conservation.”

The Italian experience of Action B.3 has also clearly demonstrated the value of Federparchi’s approach: bringing together central government bodies, management organisations, protected areas, technical experts, communicators, environmental educators and specialists, thereby creating a practical forum for coordination, mutual learning and the development of a shared language. This is an important outcome, as the quality of conservation and communication regarding Natura 2000 marine sites increasingly depends on the ability of those involved to work together in a coherent and effective manner.

Finally, to ensure continuity and capitalise on the results, the final event in the series, dedicated to the European Nature Restoration Regulation, has also been made available online on Federparchi’s YouTube channel, so that it can be accessed at a later date by other interested organisations and operators.