On Friday, 6 November 2026, representatives of the Sečovlje Salina Nature Park, where the LIFE URCA PROEMYS project is being implemented, visited the Regional Nature Reserve of the Isonzo River Mouth (Riserva naturale Foce dell’Isonzo), in the Isola della Cona area in Italy. Together with our colleagues from the reserve, we exchanged valuable experience in the management of natural areas, the monitoring of the European pond turtle (Emys orbicularis) and the removal of invasive alien turtle species belonging to the genus Trachemys.
Our colleagues from the reserve presented their methods for monitoring the European pond turtle, as well as the techniques they use to capture and remove the red-eared slider (Trachemys scripta spp.). Particular attention was given to equipment used for capturing larger individuals. They also introduced us to the traps used in their work, which we are planning to purchase for our own activities, as larger red-eared sliders are rarely caught in the traps we currently use.
During the visit, we also presented our own work, including the experimental nesting site for the European pond turtle and the application that we have been using since this year to record and monitor field data. The exchange was particularly valuable in terms of gaining new practical insights and solutions that can be applied in the future management of the area and the implementation of nature conservation activities.
We also learned about wetland restoration activities carried out within the reserve. Last year, under the Interreg POSEIDONE project, environmental restoration measures were implemented in the Fondi Magri area, resulting in the creation of 10 hectares of freshwater wetlands.
A new European project, LIFE ALEXANDRO, has also recently started in the reserve. Running from 2026 to 2031, the project aims to protect and improve the conservation status of the Kentish plover (Anarhynchus alexandrinus), a characteristic species of coastal habitats. Its main objectives include reducing threats to the species, improving breeding success, and restoring and enhancing coastal and dune habitats.
The visit was an excellent opportunity to strengthen professional cooperation and exchange good practices. The knowledge gained and the solutions presented will be valuable for our continued efforts to conserve the European pond turtle and manage invasive alien turtle species.
