Verbano Cusio Ossola (VCO) is a territory rich of streams and lakes, suited to hosting a large number of aquatic species, some of which are of remarkable naturalistic importance, enough to be included in the European lists of protected species (Habitat Directive 92/43/EEC).

The presence of many pressures, among which habitat alteration and diffusion of exotic species, have played a prominent role in putting at risk the aquatic fauna of the VCO, with more effects on native sensitive species, such as MARBLE TROUT, PIGO, SAVETTA and WHITE-CLAWED CRAYFISH.

That’s why, IdroLIFE aims to improve the conservation status of the local populations of these species in Natura 2000 sites of Verbano Cusio Ossola Province, contributing to halt the loss of aquatic biodiversity.

The Project interests the water corridors of Toce river and San Bernardino stream and Mergozzo lake, acting concretely with both structural interventions and faunal actions, namely:

• thedefragmentation of the two rivers mentioned above through the realization of 6 fish passes (5 on Toce and 1 on San Bernardino) and
• the direct support to native species through artificial reproduction, breeding and restocking with animals genetically suitable and through control of exotic invasive species.

The project involves the entire population and especially enjoys the support of local anglers associations, who will support IdroLIFE both with the work of their volunteers and providing their production facilities.

Restore and protect the aquatic fauna of VCO is not only a duty, but also an opportunity to enhance the local development, based on the improvement of the natural resources and the sustainable and responsible tourism.

For its high demonstration value, the Project will be disseminated by different forms of communication, awareness and information, addressing all local stakeholders and also to the entire population.

We will work to ensure that biodiversity conservation will become a common purpose and respect for natural resources a need and not a duty.

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