Le Cesine

Case study site SCA IT9150014 and SCI IT9150032 Le Cesine

This case study area is situated in the region Puglia and measures 348 ha. It is located in the South east. Le Cesine is one of the most old protected areas in Puglia, having been declared Ramsar site in 1977 and State Natural Reserve since 1980. In this area in which the Cladium mariscus communities (priority habitat 7210*) are particularly prone to wildfires spreading from the adjacent agricultural areas, forest, or also from arsons, such as those occurred in 2007.  

"La Cesine" photo: Valeria Tomaselli
"La Cesine" photo: Valeria Tomaselli

In addition, marine erosion has caused a progressive reduction of the sandbank separating the internal lagoons (coastal lagoons, priority habitat 1150) from the sea and determining a progressive increasing o the salinity of the lagoon water, with a progressive spread of halophytic communities and also the reduction of Juniperus oxycedrus ssp. macrocarpa communities (priority habitat 2250). Finally, the agricultural practices taking place both inside and outside the protected area are likely to lead to the disappearance of temporary ponds (priority habitat 3170). On the coast Natura 2000 sites are not only exposed to unwise agricultural practices and unplanned, often illegal urban development, but also to an increasing tourist pressure. This is the case for this site.