Italy adds two wetlands of international importance under Ramsar convention

Rome: Italy has designated two new Wetlands of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention, adding Padule di Scarlino and Padule di Fucecchio in the Tuscany region to the global “Ramsar List”. 

The move strengthens the protection of ecologically significant wetlands that play a critical role in biodiversity conservation, climate regulation and flood control.

Padule di Scarlino, located on Tuscany’s south-central coast, is a remnant of a once extensive marsh system and remains connected to other coastal wetlands along the Mediterranean flyway.

 The site includes a brackish lagoon and an inland freshwater pool of similar size dominated by glasswort beds. 

It provides vital habitat for several threatened species, including the nationally endangered Eurasian wryneck and the critically endangered common reed bunting, both of which nest there.

The wetland also supports the vulnerable marsh spurge plant and contributes significantly to soil, sediment and nutrient retention, while helping regulate the local climate.

Padule di Fucecchio, the largest inland marsh in Italy, extends over more than 2,500 hectares near Lago di Sibolla and consists of permanent water bodies and seasonally flooded areas. 

The wetland supports internationally threatened species such as the Italian crested newt and the saker falcon, and is essential for the reproduction, migration, nesting and wintering of the Italian festoon butterfly, frogs and numerous bird species.

Despite impacts from habitat alteration, the marsh plays a crucial role in regulating the local climate, limiting climate change effects and reducing flood risks.

The designation of these two wetlands underscores Italy’s continued commitment to conserving critical ecosystems and highlights the importance of wetlands as natural solutions for biodiversity protection and climate resilience.