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Among the protected species within protected areas, one must not forget homo sapiens. This column, which usually discusses the limitations imposed on human activities to preserve the environment, takes a diversion dedicated to an obligation introduced for safety reasons in avalanche danger situations: that of carrying an Artva, shovel, and probe on snowy terrain throughout the Italian mountainous territory, not just in the parks.

On Saturday, December 3, 2024, an interesting report was broadcasted on Geo about the Orsiera Rocciavré Natural Park. The popular RAI program dedicated to the environment and its wonders narrated the story of a herb - thyme - and its multiple culinary and medicinal properties with its usual expertise, spiced up with spectacular shots inside the Protected Areas of the Cozie Alps. A real source of pride for a Park Authority that is responsible for safeguarding and enhancing the natural heritage of its territories.

Winter is the most challenging season for many species living in the mountains. Winter hiking and ski mountaineering activities can disrupt - sometimes threaten - the delicate ecological balance of an environment already strained by natural elements.

They do not hunt in the parks.

In Piedmont, Regional Law no. 19/2009, article 8 states that "In protected areas established and classified as a natural park and nature reserve, the following prohibitions apply: a) hunting activities; b) introduction and use of weapons, explosives, and any destructive or capture means by individuals, unless nominatively authorized."

Reasons for a prohibition

In Piedmont, mushroom picking is regulated by Regional Law no. 24/2007, which, in summary, allows harvesting from dawn to dusk of a daily individual quantity not exceeding 3 kg for all those who are equipped with the appropriate permit. Geographical limitations apply within protected areas established in accordance with the current regional regulations and sites that are part of the Natura 2000 network identified by the respective managing bodies.

In the Protected Areas of the Cozie Alps, as in the entire Piedmont region, circulation with motor vehicles on off-road routes is forbidden according to Regional Law No. 32/1982. The ban, as stated, "also applies to mountain paths and mule tracks, as well as forest tracks and roads." This is Article 11 inserted, not by chance, in the text entitled "Rules for the conservation of the natural heritage and environmental structure" because undoubtedly vehicular traffic has an impact on ecological balances. But what is meant by "off-road routes"? Essentially, everything that is not part of the state, regional, provincial, or municipal road network.

Throughout the summer, park rangers have intervened on several occasions to warn mountain bikers who were riding on routes and trails within the Alpi Cozie Parks that are prohibited to bicycles. Some individuals justified their actions by claiming they had followed directions downloaded from certain websites or apps, but unfortunately, the regulations of a protected area do not allow ignorance of the rules. We take this opportunity, therefore, to reiterate the restrictions in place in the Protected Areas of the Alpi Cozie and explain the reasons behind them.
 

Spending a day outdoors with your dog is certainly a beautiful experience. However, introducing a pet into a protected area poses a problem for the natural balance that a Park Authority is required to defend. In all Italian national and regional parks, there are limitations aimed at finding a compromise between the needs of environmental conservation and those of dog owners who wish to bring their four-legged friends along. Let's see why.

There are still many people who love coming home after a walk in the open air with a small bouquet of flowers. There is even a song! But... There are rules to follow.

Within protected areas, certain human activities must adhere to environmental protection principles. Among these is the use of drones, which is permitted only for professional, monitoring, and scientific research purposes. The use of remotely piloted aircraft for these purposes in natural parks, nature reserves, and Natura 2000 sites managed by the Cozie Alps Protected Areas is subject to a specific request and impact assessment.

In the Parks of the Cozie Alps, it is not allowed to capture, kill or harm any animal, not even the smallest or unknown ones. In this article, we want to focus on so-called cold-blooded animals, and in particular on amphibians that are more visible during the spring season as they migrate towards wetlands where they reproduce by laying eggs in water.In the Cozie Alps Parks, it is not allowed to capture, kill, or harm any animals, not even the smallest or unknown ones. In this article, we want to focus on so-called cold-blooded animals, and in particular on amphibians that are more visible during the spring migration towards the wetlands where they reproduce by depositing their eggs in water.

Amphibians are cold-blooded vertebrates, whose body temperature depends on the external environment. With the onset of cold weather, they hibernate: slowing down their metabolism and "falling asleep" waiting for spring.