THE MAIN PROJECTS
Wednesday, 03 March 2010 13:46
The main projects at Hanbury Botanic Gardens
In the last two years the University service centre “Hanbury Botanic Gardens” (HBG) has prepared a series of projects aimed at:
i) conservation of the cultural heritage, in particular its botanical aspects,
ii) enhancing this heritage,
iii) promoting its enjoyment,
iv) assisting the dissemination of knowledge about the biodiversity of the area of land in which the gardens are located.
Some of the projects were put forward by the University in its role as administrator of the Regional Protected Area, have received public funding and will be completed during 2010 or by early 2011. The specifications of the main projects developed in the last two-year period and some of those started earlier and now nearing completion are listed below. They are categorised according to their aims and/or sectors. As far as financial resources are concerned, we should stress that in addition to the sums mentioned, most of the projects involve co-financing by the University, which adds to their value.
1) Protection of biodiversity and enhancing the potential of the Valley of the Rio Sorba
The various coordinated projects concern the semi-wild area on the western side of the Hanbury Botanic Gardens.
Expected results. Restoration of part of the western section of the fire-fighting plant; reclamation of the area affected by a forest fire in 2007, improvement of the flow of water at the mouth of the Rio Sorba, restoration and improvement of an old rural path of both natural and ethnographic interest. The package of measures will offer visitors a different route back up the garden, providing an easier climb immersed in the cool of the "forest", alongside the rushing water of the stream and beside the ancient remains of three mills. The "green" aspects of rural tradition will be highlighted, since - in the past - the water resources were used most efficiently without damaging the environment.
Resources. The measures are subsidised by funding from the Liguria Region (funds for managing the Regional Protected Area, referred to in DGR 1022/2008 for the protection of biodiversity in areas covered by the Natura 2000 network) or European Community funding (Integrated Thematic Plan System of Villas and Gardens in Western Liguria coordinated by the Province of Imperia in the framework of the Regional Operational Plan 2007-2013), as well as funding provided under the cooperation agreement with the "A Trincea" agri-tourism enterprise in Airole. Funding totals about 280,000 euros.
Target completion date. The main projects will be completed between late 2010 and early 2011.
Progress so far. Most of the fire-fighting facilities have been completed (expenditure so far approximately 130,000 euros), steps have been taken to combat invasive species along the final stretch of the river and the execution of the other projects is underway.
Progress so far. Most of the fire-fighting facilities have been completed (expenditure so far approximately 130,000 euros), steps have been taken to combat invasive species along the final stretch of the river and the execution of the other projects is underway.
Further potential. We may consider the idea of using further available financial resources to establish a small area near the estuary with observation points to view wild flowers and aquatic fauna.
2) Scented Garden
Expected results. Strengthening of the perimeter wall to the south-east of the South Terrace of the Palazzo and restoration of the Scented Garden, which for several years has been inaccessible to visitors because of the wall's instability.
Resources. The measures are subsidised by funding from the Liguria Region (funds for management of the Regional Protected Area). Funding totals about 130,000 euros.
Target completion date. All work will be completed by the end of 2010.
Progress. Soundings and inspections of the wall were carried out, the wall has been strengthened and botanical research has been carried out with a view to restoring the plant collections.
Further potential. Educational material and thematic trails relating to flower scents.
3) Hanbury Botanic Gardens for all
Expected results. Improving accessibility and mobility in Hanbury Botanic Gardens, especially for the elderly and the disabled; paths for the blind and wheel-chair access; improvement of facilities at the snack bar.
Resources. measures are subsidised by funding from the Liguria Region (funds for managing the Regional Protected Area) and from the Riviera dei Fiori local tourist office). Funding totals about 120,000 euros.
Target completion date. Projects will be completed by 2011.
Progress. Execution of the project is underway.
Further potential. Additional resources will probably be needed to cross the barrier formed by the Roman road and to enhance enjoyment of the garden complex for disadvantaged people in every season of the year.
4) Parking
Expected results. Construction of a parking area for cars and buses reserved for visitors to Hanbury Botanic Gardens.
Resources. Currently available funds consist of funding granted by the Liguria Region over the years (funds for managing the Regional Protected Area) and FAS funding (for disadvantaged areas), totalling about 340,000 euros
Target completion date. Measures need to be completed by 2012.
Progress. A feasibility study has been carried out.
Further potential. Possible synergies for the purpose of joint projects designed to meet the needs of local residents too.
5) Popularization of Sciences
This covers three activities included in projects for the popularization of sciences devised by the Ministry of Education, University and Research (MIUR).
Expected results. Implementation of measures and activities to improve the collections of citrus trees, "mimosas" and roses; the creation of an information centre devoted to the geology of Capo Mortola; improving the dissemination of information about the plant collections and the botanical and geological/palaeontological heritage.
Resources. Currently available funds consist of funding granted by the Ministry over the last few years. The most recent project devoted to the collection of the Rosa genus obtained a grant of 18,000 euros.
Target completion date. Most of the measures will be concluded by the end of 2010 or the first half of 2011.
Progress. The historic citrus groves were the subject of organic pest control treatments; the exhibition centre dealing with the geology of Cape Mortola has been prepared, the purchase of various specimens of the Acacia genus is being completed and illustrated panels are being prepared and will soon be set up at various points.
Further potential. Integrating information in an interactive system on the web and in audio- and video-guides.
6) ALCOTRA European Project “Natura 2000 Alpi del Mare "
This is a cross-border project led by the Regional Park of the Ligurian Alps and involving Hanbury Botanic Gardens, the Liguria Region and the Conservatoire Botanique de Porquerolles as partners. It is coordinated with another ALCOTRA European project on the cross-border Forest Reserve of Testa d'Alpe involving the ONF (Office National des Forêts). The University of Genoa's Department for the Study of the Land and its Resources (DIPTERIS) is also involved.
It aims to improve knowledge of a cross-border area (the Ligurian Alps) that is considered to be a biodiversity “hotspot” because of links the Alpine and Mediterranean regions. During the project Italian and French researchers and technicians will, whilst they work, develop joint methods for studying and managing biodiversity.
It aims to improve knowledge of a cross-border area (the Ligurian Alps) that is considered to be a biodiversity “hotspot” because of links the Alpine and Mediterranean regions. During the project Italian and French researchers and technicians will, whilst they work, develop joint methods for studying and managing biodiversity.
Expected results. The creation of a joint Italo-French database covering the most interesting plant and animal species and habitats protected by European directives; an international conference and an exhibition on “Biodiversity without frontiers” (21 and 22 May 2010) will be held at Imperia and at Hanbury Botanic Gardens.
Resources. The funds currently available for GBH amount to 63,000 euros for research cooperation and, above all, the organization of events.
Target completion date. Measures will be completed by the end of 2010.
Progress. The field study of flora and fauna has almost been completed and the basic structure of the international database has been designed. The organisation of the conference and the exhibition is in its initial stages.
Further potential. Possible extension of the cross-border experience to Tyrrhenian coastal regions (Liguria, Tuscany, Sardinia and Corsica).
7) Photovoltaic greenhouse
This involves the adaptation of an existing greenhouse in the Hanbury Botanic Gardens nursery in order to produce electricity from a new photoactive material, Copper Indium Diselenide (CIS) incorporated in the windows of the greenhouse itself. Experiments carried out at Albenga at CERSAA have verified that these structures reduce solar radiation inside the greenhouse by only 10% and are more efficient than traditional silicon cells.
Expected results. Construction of a photovoltaic pilot showcase for green energy in the agricultural sector of Western Liguria.
Resources. Approximately 100,000 euros is being allocated to HBG under a Regional Operational Plan for alternative energy in protected areas.
Target completion date. Measures will be completed by the end of 2010.
Progress. The plan of execution has been drawn up.
Further potential. Guided tours for operators in the flower-growing and plant nursery sectors.
We should also mention a project drawn up last summer and awaiting the outcome of selection for funding under the European project LIFE +. This is the LIFE + project SUMFLOWER (SUstainable Management of FLOriculture on the WEstern Riviera) designed to develop and disseminate new sustainable technologies in the flower-growing industry. The project would be led by Hanbury Botanic Gardens (University of Genoa). Other partners would be: CeRSAA (Regional Centre for Agricultural Experimentation and Assistance, Albenga), Green Enterprise Ltd., Floricultural and Plant Nursery District of the western Riviera, FSO CRA (Council for Agricultural Research and Experimentation - Floriculture and ornamental plant research unit, Sanremo) and the Regional Institute of Floriculture (Sanremo).
Mauro Mariotti
President of the University Service Centre “Hanbury Botanic Gardens”
Mauro Mariotti
President of the University Service Centre “Hanbury Botanic Gardens”
Last Updated ( Thursday, 08 July 2010 09:33 )