IDEAr- Indagine Diversità Ecosistema Arezzo
from 01/02/2025 until 31/12/2026
Descrizione del progetto
Indagine Diversità Ecosistema Arezzo (IDEAr) is a research project aimed at studying urban biodiversity through different approaches, including the direct involvement of citizens.
The project is developed by the Council for Research in Agriculture and Analysis of Agricultural Economics (CREA) and the Municipality of Arezzo, in the framework of the Green City Accord (GCA), a network of European cities committed to environmental protection and the creation of eco-sustainable urban environments.
IDEAr includes three activities in which citizens are actively involved:
- Studying the diurnal butterfly communities present in the urban and peri-urban parks.
- Investigation census of ant species found in schoolyards and parks.
- Reporting and mapping of urban biodiversity.
Aim
The objective of this project is to survey the biodiversity (some target groups) within the Municipality of Arezzo.
Studying diurnal butterfly communities in urban and peri-urban parks
This activity takes place across four urban and peri-urban parks, representing varying degrees of naturalness and human disturbance. In each park, a transect has been identified and is walked by residents approximately once every ten days. During these surveys, participants observe and record the species and the relative abundance of all butterflies encountered along the predefined route. This initiative has joined the Butterfly Monitoring Scheme (BMS), adopting its standardised protocols and sharing all collected data with the database of the Network.
Investigation of ant species in schoolyards and parks
To identify and survey urban ants, IDEAr has joined the “School of Ants - at school with ants” project, involving primary and secondary school students. Participating classes collect and identify the species present in schoolyards and surrounding parks under the guidance of experts.
Reporting and mapping urban biodiversity
The collection of data on animal and plant species within the city of Arezzo is conducted via the iNaturalist platform, where the “Arezzo Biodiversity” project has been launched. Anyone can upload georeferenced images of species observed within the municipal boundaries. This participated occurrence data collection will allow the creation of the first comprehensive mapping of the city’s urban biodiversity.
How to participate
Anyone interested in joining one or more IDEAr initiatives can send an email to idear@crea.gov.it
Specifically, those interested in the butterfly study can submit the online application, while teachers wishing to engage their classes in the “School of Ants” activities can register via the dedicated form.
To contribute to the “Arezzo Biodiversity” project, simply download the iNaturalist app (available for Android and iOS) and create a profile.
Needed equipment
For the butterfly monitoring session, simply wear comfortable clothing and walking shoes. Once on-site, identification guides will be provided to help you recognize the different species you encounter.
Ant monitoring requires the use of a specialized “Ant Box” kit for specimen collection.
To participate in the “Arezzo Biodiversity” project, you will need a mobile device with the iNaturalist app installed.