Birds, Bats and Butterflies
Improving habitat for Birds, Bats and Butterflies on the edge of Madonie Natural Park
BBB (Bats, Butterflies & Birds) is a restoration and rural sustainability project for the Madonie area of Sicily, between Petralia Sottana and Petralia Soprana. The initiative addresses pressing environmental challenges such as wildfires, drought, and habitat fragmentation. These issues not only threatens biodiversity but also local rural communities.
Running from September 2025 to March 2027, the project promotes ecological and socio-economic regeneration through a Nature-based Solution (NbS) approach that integrates habitat restoration, sustainable tourism, community involvement, gender equity, and participatory scientific monitoring.
Located just outside the southern boundary of the Madonie Natural Park, on approximately 70 fragmented hectares affected by the 2023 wildfires, the project ensures ecological continuity with nearby Natura 2000 habitats. All species used for reforestation, shrub planting, and grassland recovery follow the habitat guidelines of the ZSC Monte Quacella–Pizzo Carbonara area.
- Planting 2,000 native trees over 3 hectares
- Restoring 7 hectares of grassland
- Installing 30 artificial nest boxes for birds and bats
- Developing eco-tourism trails and guided experiences
- Workshops, field sessions, and biodiversity monitoring training
Lead and expectations
The project is led by Collettivo Rewild Sicily in collaboration with AsFo Petralie, local municipalities, and environmental guides. Beneficiaries include local communities, volunteers, researchers, students, and regional biodiversity—covering 16 target species of birds, bats, and butterflies.
Expected results include ecological restoration of at least 10 hectares, improved habitat connectivity and climate resilience, expanded opportunities for sustainable eco-tourism, strong community engagement, and formal evaluation according to the eight IUCN NbS criteria. The project emphasizes gender inclusion, open-access scientific data, and the potential for replication across Mediterranean landscapes.
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