Benevento, despite being a relatively small urban center compared to other cities in Italy, is still considered an important urban hub in the inland areas of southern Italy. Due to its central location within the region and the low urban and transport development in the area, just a few kilometers from the city, one can access natural areas and national parks.

Due to the increasingly frequent expansion of urban areas at the expense of natural areas, the WWF Sannio, in collaboration with the University of Agraria and with the contribution of the Foundation for the South, has initiated the project "Sveliamo la Dormiente" (Revealing the Sleeper). "Dormiente" is the name given to the mountain closest to the city of Benevento, which is also the location of the current Taburno Oasis.

The project aims to promote greater sustainability in the use of the park by both occasional and regular visitors, thanks to increased knowledge of its structures, services, goods, and natural resources. An increase in citizen and tourist participation is expected. The actions aimed at the correct use of park resources include:

1. Mapping, classification, and tabulation of trails and the creation of an electronic and paper map.
2. Maintenance of identified trails with small interventions to ensure safe use.
3. Organization of events to promote knowledge of trails and the associated environmental, historical, and gastronomic resources.
4. Compilation of an atlas of the flora and fauna of the park using data collected from monitoring and conservation actions.

One of the project's strategies is the composition of a partnership involving qualified professionals with specific expertise, local associations knowledgeable about the territory, and key institutions for public good management and conservation policies.

The scientific component of the partnership collects, monitors, and processes data, enriching and integrating shared knowledge with local communities. 

The project also includes seminars and educational activities, non-timber product collection, training for forest operators to promote the diffusion of forest species, and the promotion of sustainable forest management. Additionally, communication activities, such as a website and social media pages, are part of the initiative.

The Taburno Oasis plays a crucial role in conserving local biodiversity, contributing to maintaining a balanced environment and supporting the presence of unique plant and animal species in the region.

https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/viewer?mid=18TTJqmi4L99kYglLp1xJE-ZX2dE&hl=it&ll=41.172138184479316%2C14.645336000000002&z=12
www.svegliamoladormiente.net
https://www.wwf.it/chi-siamo/presenza-sul-territorio/organizzazioni-locali/wwf-sannio/
https://www.unisannio.it/it/ateneo/unisannio/ateneo-citta
https://comunitamontanataburno.it/
 

Direct SGDs:

• SDG 15: Life on land.: Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss.https://sdgs.un.org/goals/goal15#targets_and_indicators
  The project is directly related to this goal, as it focuses on biodiversity conservation, sustainable management of natural resources and promotion of sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems.

Indirect SDGs: 

• SDG 4: Quality education - Through educational activities and community involvement, the project contributes to the goal of ensuring quality education and promoting learning opportunities for all

• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities -  the project can support the creation of sustainable communities by encouraging the proper use of natural resources and promoting community participation in land management.
• SDG 12: Sustainable production and consumption - By promoting sustainability in park enjoyment and raising awareness of environmental resources, the project influence production and consumption behaviors in the region.
• SDG 13: Climate Action - By contributing to sustainable natural resource management and environmental awareness, the project  have an impact on climate change mitigation and on air quality in the urban space.

Justification:
The Oasis plays a key role in the conservation of local biodiversity, helping to maintain a balanced environment and fostering the presence of plant and animal species unique to the region.

1. What concrete actions does the project entail to improve the sustainability of visitor use in the Taburno Park?
2. In what ways does the project actively involve the local community in the management and conservation of the territory, and what are the expected benefits for the community?
3. How does the Taburno Oasis contribute to the conservation of local biodiversity, and how can it act as a catalyst for sustainable and local economic development?
    

Agostino Cefalo, Gramigna ODV