Interreg MAP-Rezia: first annual consortium meeting in Glorenza

MAP-Rezia focuses on biodiversity monitoring in protected areas of the Raetia region, spanning Lombardy, Grisons and South Tyrol. The project aims to strengthen cross-border management through the harmonised acquisition of biodiversity data, the digitalization of environmental monitoring, the development of shared conservation practices, and the dissemination of results for management bodies, researchers and policymakers.

Progress across work packages

During the meeting, partners presented updates from all work packages, highlighting methodological approaches and preliminary results.

WP1 – Acquisition and processing of remote sensing data

During the meeting, the consortium presented the acquisition of LIDAR data across the study areas, carried out by the company AVT. The Free University of Bolzano shared the progress on the initial processing of remote sensing data. In addition, the Swiss National Park reported on the collection of in-situ biodiversity data, following the ORCHAMP protocol, across multiple transects in the park. The group then discussed plans for further data acquisition and explored opportunities for continued collaboration on these efforts. Activities in WP1 remain focused on collecting and processing of remote sensing and in-situ data, with the goal of establishing standardized biodiversity metrics and detailed information on vegetation composition and forest structure to support long-term monitoring and conservation strategies.

WP2 – Biodiversity dynamics of large herbivores, forests and grasslands

This work package analyzes the role of large herbivores as ecosystem engineers and their effects on vegetation structure and biodiversity. During the meeting, colleagues from the Stelvio National Park presented progress on monitoring wild ungulate populations across the protected areas, with a particular focus on estimating browsing pressure and assessing its influence on forest and grassland ecosystems.

WP3 – Assessment of forest ecosystems and ecosystem services

This work package integrates remote sensing and ungulate pressure data to calibrate dynamic vegetation models, enabling simulation of future scenarios and quantification of ecosystem service changes. This effort is led by Eurac Research. During the meeting, Sebastian Marzini from our Institute for Alpine Environment presented the progress achieved within WP3, outlining the methodological framework for completing the calibration of the iLand model in the selected study areas of the parks, including the preparation of necessary input data such as soil characteristics, climate change scenarios and forest composition data. He also outlined the possibilities for setting up a simulation study focusing on the impact of ungulate browsing on forest dynamics and the application of indicators to quantify ecosystem services provision.

WP4 – Enhancement of park synergy

During the meeting, the consortium discussed progress for implementing the cross-border biodiversity trail “The Trail of the 3 Parks”, as well as several other communication and dissemination activities connected to the project and the ongoing cooperation between the parks. Planned activities include joint initiatives by the Stelvio National Park and the Swiss National Park for technical staff and the general public, the development of shared points of interest along the trail, and coordinated communication efforts to strengthen cross-border collaboration.

Next steps

The consortium meeting provided an opportunity to align activities across work packages and define priorities for the coming project phase. The discussions confirmed the importance of an integrated, transnational approach to biodiversity monitoring and ecosystem management in alpine protected areas.

MAP-Rezia is co-financed by the European Union, the European Regional Development Fund, the Italian State, the Rotational Fund, the Swiss Confederation and the Cantons, within the framework of the [Interreg VI-A Italy–Switzerland Cooperation Programme].(https://www.interreg-italiasvizzera.eu/wps/portal/site/interreg-italia-svizzera)