BIODIVERSITY

General Description of the Site

Scholars describe the area as a “mosaic of diverse environments, composed of both ancient and more recent dune systems, numerous wetlands and marshes, and a managed valley.”

One of the most remarkable features is a pure, native holm oak forest (lecceta) covering ancient dunes. The highest point, known as “Motteron dei Frati”, reaches approximately 11 meters, making it the tallest dune along the entire Po coastal plain. This forest represents the northernmost holm oak stand in Italy and is considered a post-glacial relict (AA. VV., 2009: Acque Antiche – Province of Venice).

The aquatic environment is characterized by low salinity and a combination of lake-like and forested landscapes, including a large water basin surrounded by reed beds, peat bogs, and brackish marshes. Rare plant species thrive here, such as Marchesetti’s eyebright (Euphrasia marchesettii) and grass-of-Parnassus (Parnassia palustris). The undergrowth is rich in flora, including common juniper (Juniperus communis), honeysuckle (Lonicera caprifolium), and Phillyrea angustifolia. In addition to patches of noteworthy meadow, the area features protected grey dunes and dune pine forests, with planted maritime and domestic pines, and occasionally natural black pines.

The Val Grande Nature Oasis is located in the northern part of the Bibione peninsula, bordered by the Litoranea Veneta canal to the north, Via Baseleghe to the south, Via Pineda to the east, and the Vallesina to the west. The semi-natural area covers 360 hectares and originates from an ancient lagoon formed during the morphogenesis of the lower Tagliamento River basin. It includes significant brackish lakes — some regulated by human intervention — and dry land where priority habitats have developed, recognized under the Natura 2000 Network (SIC IT3250033 and ZPS 3250041).

Until spring 2024, the valley waters were used for fish farming within a closed system of lagoons connected to the external lagoon through a network of sluices and channels. These ponds, lakes, and canals were used to cultivate species such as sea bass, mullet, gilthead bream, and eels, combining traditional lagoon management with controlled aquaculture.

Environmental Management

Today, fish farming is no longer practiced in Val Grande. While hunting activities continue, they are now primarily limited to wild boar (Sus scrofa) management, and the focus has shifted toward nature conservation and habitat management. Several restoration and environmental conservation initiatives have been implemented, some still in preliminary authorization phases, including:

Water management: Regulating the exchange of water between the valley lakes, controlling depth and salinity levels to create ideal conditions for bird stopovers and nesting.

Meadow management: Developing stable meadow habitats by managing uncultivated grasslands.

Wetland maintenance: Preserving marsh areas through controlled management of shrub growth.

Dune conservation: Protecting fixed and grey dunes by limiting encroachment of shrubs.

These efforts aim to enhance biodiversity, protect sensitive ecosystems, and support the long-term health of the Val Grande Nature Oasis.