EUROPARC Newcomer: Antola Park Authority

The EUROPARC Network continues to grow! In this article, meet our newcomer from Italy: Antola Natural Regional Park.

Welcoming Antola Natural Regional Park to the EUROPARC Federation

We are thrilled to welcome the Antola Natural Regional Park as a new member of the EUROPARC Federation! Let’s learn more about this incredible park and how they plan to contribute to our community.

About Antola Natural Regional Park

The Antola Natural Regional Park covers 4,811.77 hectares and includes 13 municipalities. It is located in the Ligurian Apennines, one of the most picturesque areas of this mountain range. The Park features stunning natural landscapes, rich history, and unique architecture.

Mount Antola, standing at 1,597 meters above sea level, serves as a key geographic point. It connects the Trebbia, Scrivia, and Borbera valleys, offering breathtaking views from the Ligurian Sea to the northwestern Alps. The Park is home to over 650 plant species, making it a botanist’s paradise. Some notable plants include Arnica montana, Trollius europaeus, Laburnum anagyroides, and the Narcissus pœticus, which is the Park’s symbol.

The diverse landscape is further enriched by the presence of limestone formations. These create gorges, towers, spires, and steep walls, similar to alpine environments, making it a perfect habitat for various birds of prey. The park also manages seven Natura 2000 sites, highlighting its commitment to protecting biodiversity.

The Park’s expertise

Antola Natural Regional Park offers a 200-kilometre trail network that attracts hikers and nature lovers. Visitors can explore wild landscapes, enjoy local cuisine, and learn about the area’s cultural traditions. Key attractions include:

• The ‘Rifugio escursionistico Parco Antola’ and ‘Rifugio Castello di Senarega’: Rest and refreshment points for hikers.
• Brugneto Lake and Rocche del Reopasso: Sites of natural beauty.
• Historical Sites: The ‘Vobbia Stone Castle’ and rural villages like Pentema and Senarega.
• Cultural Centres: The Regional Astronomical Observatory and “The Wolf in Liguria” visitor centre.

The Park has been recognised by Regione Liguria for its unique capabilities. It serves as a regional centre for:

• Research and promotion of inland products.
• Study and management of the wolf population.
• Promotion of wellness and conscious lifestyles.

Interview with Antola Natural Regional Park

1. What aspect of EUROPARC’s mission resonates with you the most?

We are aligned with EUROPARC’s focus on natural resource restoration, biodiversity protection, and sustainable tourism. Our objectives mirror these priorities. We believe that building partnerships and sharing best practices will strengthen conservation efforts.

2. How do you envision contributing to our community and shared goals?

We aim to create new dialogues and solutions for common challenges. We want to expand our local best practices to a wider audience, making them more visible and impactful.

3. What benefits or resources are you eager to access through EUROPARC membership?

We are excited to connect with other natural parks and protected areas. We also look forward to engaging with stakeholders involved in the European Charter for Sustainable Tourism.

Conclusion

We warmly welcome Antola Natural Regional Park to the EUROPARC Federation. Their commitment to conservation, sustainable tourism, and community engagement will undoubtedly enrich our network. We look forward to achieving great things together!