Ecological corridor
Val Grande National Park - the Ghiffa Reserve

The project, supported by Fondazione Capellino, was created to help defragment the territories between the two natural parks and to improve habitats in the municipalities of Caprezzo, Cambiasca, Vignone and Arizzano

Partnership

objective

Consolidate the ecological connectivity between Val Grande National Park and the Special Nature Reserve of the Sacro Monte of the Holy Trinity of Ghiffa, restoring continuity between natural and semi-natural habitats that are currently fragmented.

The project focuses on an ecological corridor of approximately 1,400 hectares, about 6 km long and with a width ranging from 1.5 to 3 km, in a strategic position between two protected areas. The objective is to counter biodiversity loss caused by the abandonment of traditional agro-silvo-pastoral practices, habitat fragmentation and the presence of invasive species.

The planned actions use nature-based solutions and light environmental restoration interventions: restoration of pastures and marginal agricultural areas, removal of non-native species, rehabilitation of wetlands for amphibians, improvement of the hydrographic network and reconstruction of micro-habitats useful to fauna.

The project is part of the expansion of Val Grande National Park, regional biodiversity strategies and the strengthening of the ecological network between protected areas.

AREA OF INTERVENTION

The corridor covers the territories of the Municipalities of Caprezzo, Cambiasca, Vignone and Arizzano, with Caprezzo as lead Municipality. The intervention areas are distributed between Val Grande National Park and the ecological route towards the Special Nature Reserve of the Sacro Monte of the Holy Trinity of Ghiffa.

The project works through “stepping stones”, meaning specific areas which, once restored, improve overall ecological continuity: Monte Turrioni, Caprezzo village, the hydrographic network, Ramello Mulini and Laghetto di San Martino.

A significant share of the land is public or is being acquired as public property, with restrictions requiring naturalistic land use and obligations for maintenance over time.

The five strategic intervention areas are:

Monte Turrioni: restoration of mountain pasture, containment of invasive vegetation, creation of a wetland/pool for amphibians and management through rotational grazing.
Caprezzo: restoration of a marginal agricultural area, eradication of tree of heaven, restoration of dry-stone walls and planting of native apple trees.
Hydrographic network: removal of obstacles to the mobility of small vertebrates, with ramps for amphibians and interventions along the Piaggio and Boia streams.
Ramello Mulini: remediation of a degraded area, removal of waste and invasive vegetation and restoration of the mill area.
Laghetto di San Martino: eradication of non-native fish species, replacement of alien hedges with native species and creation of a new wetland for amphibians.

PROJECT

The project is promoted by the Municipality of Caprezzo, acting as lead partner, together with the Municipalities of Cambiasca, Vignone and Arizzano, within the framework of the Piedmont Region Biodiversity Call – PR FESR 2021/2027.

Fondazione Capellino supports the project in line with the Restoring Biodiversity area, contributing to the implementation of interventions aimed at protecting and recovering natural heritage, strengthening the ecological network and reducing the pressures that currently interrupt habitat continuity.

The planned activities include pre-intervention clearing during phases compatible with vegetative dormancy, bioengineering works, removal of invasive species, renaturalization of wetlands, restoration of traditional paths and structures, and installation of signage.

DURATION

2026/2028

INVESTMENT

Total project budget

€518.344,22
Piedmont Region
€421.509,80
Municipalities
€46.834,42
Fondazione Capellino
€50.000,00

Partner

The Municipality of Caprezzo is the lead partner of the project and coordinates the activities, reporting and relationship with the participating Municipalities.

The Municipalities of Cambiasca, Vignone and Arizzano participate as institutional partners, with intervention areas and management responsibilities connected to their respective territories.

The Piedmont Region funds the project through PR FESR 2021/2027 – Biodiversity Call, oriented towards the conservation and recovery of natural heritage and biodiversity levels.

Ecological corridor Val Grande National Park - the Ghiffa Reserve