SUSTAINABLE USE OF PLANT PROTECTION PRODUCTS IN NATURA 2000 AREAS: MITIGATION OF IMPACTS AND BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION

Natura 2000 is a network of areas stretched across European countries that ensures the conservation and safe of peculiar species and natural habitats. In Lombardy (Northern Italy), 87.475 hectares of farmland lie in Natura 2000 areas. Here, agriculture impacts mitigation and biodiversity conservation represent a challenge. Directive2009/128/EC establishes a framework to achieve a sustainable use of Plant Protection Products (PPPs) by reducing their risks and impacts on human health and the environment. The DEMO-FARM project aims to set up a demo-farm, in the Natura 2000 area, in which to apply, in rice and corn crops, the principles of sustainable use of PPPs and carry out demonstration and information activities aimed at mitigation of impacts from pesticide drift and runoff, biodiversity conservation and ecosystem services implementation (National Decree 10/03/2015 - Guidelines for the reduction of PPPs use in Natura 2000 sites; Regional Decision 11/03/2019 - Guidelines for the application in Lombardy of the National Action Plan for PPPs sustainable use). Mitigation measures include: buffer strips (grassed and not treated), vegetative barriers, voluntary complementary measures supporting the creation of not treated buffer strips around farmlands for the conservation of species of Community interest, paddy margins sowing with native species. The demonstration and information activities carried out in the DEMO-FARM project want to strengthen the awareness that a significant reduction of risks associated with the use of PPPs is compatible with the need to ensure effective protection of agricultural crops, especially in areas with high environmental value.