Mount Lanaro: From the Cold War to the Natura 2000 Network

Background & Location

The celebration took place in the Regional Natural Reserve of Mount Lanaro/Volnik, a modest hill on the national border between Italy and Slovenia, in the Karst region nearby Trieste, part of the  Nature 2000 Network because of its woods, grassland and precious flowerings especially of wild orchids and peony species.

We started at Ostrouska farmhouse, at Sagrado di Sgonico/Zagrad with a really emotional introduction by the representatives of the public administration who shared some reflections about how borders affected their families and friends) and by the local organisation Rete Italiana European Green Belt APS who explained the commitment and objectives towards protecting the Italian Green Belt. 

Objective 

The main objective was to raise awareness about historical fact of the iron curtain era and its evolution into a peaceful place of biodiversity and wellbeing, as well as enhance the role of the protected areas.  

Approach & Results

All participants were really curious about the past management of the military controlled area as well as today’s situation and its natural peculiarities. All the explanations and in-depth confrontation have been appreciated by the participants for the opportunity to talk with some historic and nature experts, what’s more, there were people of all ages and most of them knew little about the European Green Belt Initiative so far. 

The European Green Belt Days celebration triggered some further interest, leading to a radio interview about the celebration and the wish to organize similar activities in the future. 

Furthermore, the involvement of the institutional partners brought formal support to the Initiative as well as personal insights about the meaning of living in the (former) iron curtain area.

Photo gallery of the European Green Belt Days celebration