On the occasion of World Wetlands Day, our zoologist Valerio Russo together with the SMFVS manager Alessio Usai, will guide participants in a free activity during which the multiple benefits of birdwatching on mental well-being will be explored.
Greater Flamingos at Soglitelle wetlands. Photo by Valerio Russo.
Among the most productive and biodiverse environments in the world – as vulnerable as they are – there are certainly wetlands: on the one hand these provide water, nutrients and shelter for countless species of plants and animals, on the other they are constantly threatened and disfigured by environmental changes related to human activity.
Nevertheless, wetlands appear to be fundamental not only for wild plants and animals, but also for human survival, managing to dispense multiple “ecosystem services“. For example, these appear to be a source of fresh water supply, food resources and building materials, as well as being natural elements of flood control, climate change and pollution mitigation. Furthermore, their intrinsic value on an aesthetic and educational level should not be underestimated, which means that they become not only a natural source of well-being but also a very important economic driving force for recreational and tourist activities.
Northern Lapwings at Soglitelle wetlands. Photo by Valerio Russo.
To protect all the ecosystems included in the wetlands macrogroup, the Ramsar Convention: the first and only intergovernmental treaty concerning the sustainable use and conservation of environments and their biodiversity at a global level.
In the world there are about 2000 sites of interest among freshwater, coastal, transitional and artificial environments, such as saltpans and reservoirs. Thus was born the desire to establish the World Wetlands Day aimed at raising public awareness of the importance of wetlands for humanity and for the planet. To celebrate this important day, every February 2, many events are organized around the world, including dissemination activities, exhibitions, educational projects, excursions and birdwatching day trips.
Among these, many are coordinated by MedWet (Mediterranean Wetlands Initiative), that connects 27 Mediterranean and peri-Mediterranean countries that are part of the Ramsar Convention, and some of these are financed by the OFB.
Northern Lapwings and Golden Plovers at Soglitelle wetlands. Photo by Valerio Russo.
This year K’ Nature is among the companies supported in the organization of an educational event, in collaboration with the Fauna Monitoring Station “I Variconi” and “Le Soglitelle”, which will take place in the wetland located in the Municipality of Villa Literno, Sunday 4 February, focused on birdwatching and the benefits that this can provide for mental and physical health.
A good mental health, defining as such a state of well-being, can support people in realising their abilities, coping with stress, work and contributing to community life. Mental health problems are unfortunately a growing issue all over the world, Europe included. European Union recently identified the improvement of mental health of its citizens as a social and economic necessity; a necessity that became even more evident since the COVID-19 pandemic, during which, according to the WHO, anxiety and depression grew at a very worrying rate. According to technical estimates the COVID-19 pandemic worsened especially young people’s mental health across Europe.
It is common knowledge how immersion in the natural areas can provide measurable benefits to human physical and mental health. Recently published scientific studies showed how bird-watching can provide an improvement in people experiencing mental health’s disorders.
Western Marsh Harrier at Variconi reserve. Photo by Valerio Russo.
The Soglitelle wetlands belongs to the “Foce Volturno, Costa di Licola and Lago Falciano” Nature Reserve, a protected area established in 1993 and covering a total area of 1,540 hectares between the province of Caserta and the Metropolitan City of Naples.
The Soglitelle represent one of the richest areas in terms of bird diversity in Southern Italy, a true paradise for hundreds of species that use the territory throughout the year as a nesting, migratory stopover and wintering site. In short, a perfect place to get in touch with birdwatching, an ever-growing hobby.
Pied Avocets at Soglitelle wetlands. Photo by Valerio Russo.
The proposed event will consist of a walk along the Reserve, preceded by an introductory phase in which the results of scientific research that have linked birdwatching and the topic of mental health will be explored in depth. Subsequently we will dedicate ourselves to the bird observation, during which the participants will have the opportunity to directly experience these positive effects on their mood.
Start time 09:30 AM – end time 12:00 AM.
Meet at the entrance to the Protected Area (see location on Google Maps!)
Free event. To participate in the initiative, booking is mandatory.
For info and reservations send an email to knature.wildlife@gmail.com indicating names and number of participants.