1001 Ponds - 1001 The story of life

The project aims at the conservation and improvement of the pond network located on Karst and consequently the protection of the amphibians’ population, for it is one of the most threatened species in Europe. Except for proteus, that lives underground, Karst amphibians have survived only thanks to the network of water biotopes (ponds) that today are disappearing because of the changes in the natural habitat, caused by various human activities. The great crested newt (triturus crestatus) and the bombina variegata are the species which are most affected by this problem. The recovery measures carried out in the framework of this project aim at improving the condition of the environment and of the amphibian population, thus contributing to the enhancement of the pond-related cultural heritage. Such measures, by means of dissemination and information activities, promote citizens’ participation in the ponds recovery and conservation in the whole cross-border territory, fostering the amphibians’ conservation on the Slovenian and Italian Karst. The project, that envisages the recording of more than 150 ponds, their presentation on the Internet and the organization of promotional events across the territory, is also connected with other INTERREG projects (“Get to know Karst - Sgonico/Zgonik” and “Get to know Karst - Monrupino/Repentabor”) as well as the project “Stari kal”. Lastly, the recovered ponds will be officially opened, in order to contribute to a greater visibility of the environment at issue and to consolidate the tourist attractiveness of the area.