Salviamo l’Orso is working to enhance bear habitats and improve connectivity between them. The growth of the population relies on the bear’s expansion from the core areas of the Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise National Park.

To improve the condition of habitats, the forests and grasslands of the Central Apennines are being conserved and improved. Native fruit trees are being planted, while pollinator diversity is being promoted to enable the regeneration of vegetation. By removing barbed wire fencing, left from old agricultural traditions, connectivity between bear populations is being encouraged.

Salviamo l’Orso is working to prevent human-wildlife conflicts. Electric fences and bear-proof waste bins are being distributed, while traditional methods of coexistence are being unearthed. The small population has a limited ability to respond to new environmental stresses, many of which are introduced by humans. Salviamo l’Orso is combating the threat of road collisions by installing acoustic and optical wildlife warning reflectors on road surfaces. A canine vaccination programme has reduced the transmission of potentially harmful diseases.

The European Nature Trust has an annual funding commitment to support Salviamo l’Orso’s work. Through our collaboration with companies and donors, we engage new supporters and drive fundraising efforts for Salviamo l’Orso’s work. Our conservation journeys to the Apennine region allow people to connect with Italy’s landscapes, while enabling travellers to make a financial contribution to Salviamo l’Orso’s conservation work.

You can contribute to the conservation of the Marsican brown bear by visiting Abruzzo National Park. Our friends at Wildlife Adventures offer tailor-made, expertly-guided tours giving you the best chance to see bears. They always operate slow, soft tourism, operating respectfully of the natural environment and bear ecology.