Lago Ganna - Requalification interventions of SIC Ganna's Lake, Italy

The project aimed at improving the environmental quality of the Ganna Lake in Lombardia region, northern Italy, applying naturalistic engineering techniques on the whole ecosystem. The project achieved excavating sediment from the Pralugano bog to help restore its ecological integrity; constructing a weir to facilitate water level control and allow bog water levels to increase; establishing physical works to control sediment flows within the peat bog tributaries. These hydrogeological management measures involved sinking wells, creating stone pathways to regulate water flows and building hydraulic engineering devices to reduce erosion threats. Additionally, the project increased amphibian breeding pond areas and enhancing the water ecological corridor between Lake Ghirla and Lake Ganna. Furthermore a range of printed environmental education materials were published. The monitoring programme collated a large amount of new and useful information concerning local hydrology, water fauna and vegetation. Monitoring also identified a number of alien and invasive species which are to be managed over a five year period. Advanced hydroengineering skills were also developed for local contractors. The project also led to the setting up of an "Italian bogs network" that included several protected areas from Piemonte, Liguria, Toscana, valle d'Aosta and Lombardia.