PROJECTS
BREATHE BARENA - SOS BARENA - SPEAK BARENA - BARENA GOLD
01. Project
SOS BARENA
​Currently, our main mission is to raise funds for the SOS Barena project, which seeks to restore and protect sections of the intertidal salt marshes (known locally as Barene) that are at risk of erosion. The unique habitats of the Lagoon are rapidly disappearing, partly due to natural processes but primarily as a result of human impact.
How is the work done?
We rely on the expertise gained through the University of Padova's LIFE VIMINE project to fund nature-based solutions, consisting in the construction of barriers of fascines made with biodegradable material such as recycled woods and in the micro-pumping of sediments, with the goal of protecting marshes from waves and, ultimately, of restoring marsh vegetation whose roots will then autonomously protect marsh soil from erosion.
Mud added behind the fascines is colonized by halophyte plants.
Hand-made fascine are unloaded onto the salt marsh.
How does this impact the local community?
A key ingredient of our socio-ecological approach is local labour, provided by fishermen, with whom we work to construct nature-based solutions for salt marsh conservation and long-term maintenance. Working with nature-based solutions and manual labour allows us to respect the very delicate Venetian salt marshes, which can be easily damaged during the more typical hard-engineering restoration works that aim to protect them.
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These fishermen are experts in the shallow lagoon environment, and they are able to work in a cost-effective manner. This creates an income support tool (local jobs besides fishing) for fishermen in the Lagoon, which is vital to keeping alive traditional fishing methods in a moment of crisis for lagoon fisheries.
Combining nature-based solutions and the involvement of local fishermen as “lagoon stewards”, we aim to tackle two types of erosion: salt marsh erosion, and the erosion of the very social fabric of the lagoon islands.​
02. Project
BREATHE BARENA
With the utmost respect for this delicate wetland and its historical markers, we remove big rubbish from the saltmarshes, including ghost nets, household and industrial appliances, plastic, glass and metal objects, wood with nails, abandoned motors, and other harmful waste. Our team is comprised of local fishermen who best know how to safely move in this environment, without damaging the saltmarsh. This work frees the saltmarsh from a kind of waste prison and allows it to breathe free. The project is complimentary to SOS Barena, and will certainly provide more homes for wildlife and allow nature to claim more space.
BREATHE BARENA TEAM​
Domenico Rossi (left), Sebastiano Tagliapietra (middle), Allison Zurfluh (right)
03. Project
SPEAK BARENA
Our mission to connect the realities of the traditional, sustainable fishing community with scientists, conservationists, entrepreneurs, stakeholders, lawmakers, the travel sector,
the media, etc.
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We also work hard to influence local perception and understanding of the importance of the northern wetlands, in order to foster respect, support and protection of the barene. At the long term, to empower local buisnesses and citizens to make constructive choices for the environment and social fabric that will inspire a living community.
04. Project
BARENA GOLD
Coming soon.
