LAKE VICO
Italy
Objective: Lake Vico case study aims to showcase the efficiency and effectiveness of management strategies and NBS in restoring water quality.
Lake classification
Lake size (km2)
Medium: 12 km2
Average depth
Moderately Deep: 22 m, max depth 50m
Geology
Volcanic lake
Altitude
Mid-altitude
Lake: 510 m slm
Trophic status
Eutrophic – recent research reveals a worrying trend towards an increase in the trophic level of the lake due to agriculture (intensive hazelnut plantations). Long hydraulic residence time (17 years).
Lake ecosystem Status
Biodiversity
NATURA 2000 network
SAC IT6010023 Monte Fogliano e Monte Venere. SAC IT6010024 Lago di Vico. SPA IT6010057 Lago di Vico – Monte Venere e Monte Fogliano
Presence and condition of Annex I habitats (Habitats Directive)
SAC IT6010024 Lago di Vico covers only the water and natural vegetation.
Presence and population status of protected bird species (Birds Directive)
A wide variety of bird species can be observed, outlined at:
https://natura2000.eea.europa.eu/natura2000/SDF.aspx?site=IT6010057
Species richness and diversity of native flora
Wetland of national importance for the wintering of aquatic birdlife and the nesting of several significant species. Rich aquatic and riparian communities. Well-preserved mature forest with a diverse number of typical species among mammals, birds, and insects. Plant species that are rare or extremely rare for Lazio and phytogeographic novelties.
Ecological status
Ecological status (WFD)
Moderate Ecological Status
Conservation status
Conservation status (IUCN)
Protected landscape and Protected seascape — Category V
Threat level
Threat level (IUCN Red List of Ecosystems)
Near Threatened (NT): Likely to qualify for a threatened category in the near future.
Pressures:
Several pressures, and the classification following the IUCN Red List is hypothesized. P and N from agriculture, in particular hazelnuts. Presence of Arsenic from natural volcanic area. Pesticides. Cyanotoxins. Presence of the abandoned former warehouse for Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical (NBC) defense materials built in the 1930s. Critical wildlife management (Sus scrofa) due to Natural reserve. Alloctonous species. Fishing is limited.
Historical Data
Since 1999, the lake has been continuously monitored as a “sensitive water body” by the Regional Agency for Environmental Protection of Viterbo (ARPA Lazio).
Local Policy and Governance Structure
Two municipalities and one Natural Regional Reserve of 4109 ha.
Local communities’ involvement in the lake’s management
Some isolated actions have been realised to involve local people and farmers for a reduction of input and sustainable land management.
Proposed set of Protection and
Restoration measures
Lead Implementing organization and stakeholders involved: University of Tuscia, Natural Reserve of Vico Lake
Monitoring of pilot NBSs, ecosystems and wildlife species to improve the territorial control for environmental monitoring, deterring theft and damage, and, in general, for asset maintenance.
Improvement of UNITUS’ monitoring to assess ecosystem functionality through Monitoring Key Indicators of diffuse pollution in the Vico lake system.
Installation of 3 weather stations to monitor key climatic indicators of Vico Lake to enhance spatial characterization studies and modelling.
Collect water samples to monitor key climatic indicators of the lake for assessing ecosystem functionality.
Pilot actions for NBS to reduce runoff and nutrient/pesticide transport, reduce farm inputs and improve the environmental awareness.
Promotion of stakeholder participation to improve environmental awareness and literacy.