REGARD

Actions to preserve biodiversity and high-value marine and terrestrial natural areas

C1-2.3-47

LP: Università di Catania - Dipartimento di Scienze Biologiche, Geologiche e Ambientali - CUP: E67G25000110008

PP2: Ministry for Gozo and Planning – Programme Implementation Directorate -

CUP: G13C25000220006

PP3: Università degli Studi di Palermo - Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche Chimiche e Farmaceutiche  -     

CUP: B73C25000210005

PP4: University of Malta - Department of Biology

CUP: G13C25000230006

PP5 Consiglio Nazionale Delle Ricerche – Istituto per i Sistemi Agricoli e Forestali del Mediterraneo (CNR) Istituto per i Sistemi Agricoli e Forestali del Mediterraneo (ISAFOM)

CUP: B67G25000250007

Parco Archeologico delle Isole Eolie; Associazione Nesos pro isole minori; Heritage Malta; Parco Archeologico di Selinunte, Cave di Cusa e Pantelleria; Gozo Tourism Association – Diving Sector; Framon Hotels S.R.L.; Istituto di Istruzione Superiore “E. FERMI – F. EREDIA; Sicilverde s.r.l.; Turmalin s.a.s

The REGARD project aims to support EU goals for protecting and restoring natural capital within Natura 2000 sites. Through a joint, multidimensional approach, it engages various entities to address botanical, environmental, archaeological, and tourism aspects. The project promotes sustainable development, environmental heritage enhancement, and public awareness of ecosystem benefits. Outputs include upgraded gene banks, biodiversity gardens, coastal trails, and habitat restoration. Its cross-border approach broadens the impact and economic benefits. Innovative features include educational itineraries and models for eco-friendly urban gardens inspired by specific botanical choices.

• 5 germplasm banks optimised and technologically upgraded
• 40 ex situ germplasm collections of species from EU habitat types
• 800 plants propagated for environmental restoration
• 200 algal thalli propagated for environmental restoration
• 2 collection fields for the conservation of genetic diversity
• 4 biodiversity gardens created
• 2 coastal-marine trails set up
• 3 terrestrial habitats restored and rehabilitated
• 2 coastal-marine habitats restored and rehabilitated
• 10 genotyping analyses carried out on terrestrial plants
• 4 genetic characterisations of target species populations
• 3 genetic characterisations of algal taxa using DNA barcoding

• Increased protection of biodiversity in selected Natura 2000 sites in Sicily and Malta
• Enhancement of ecosystem services such as CO₂ sequestration, climate regulation, and coastal protection
• Strengthening of germplasm banks to conserve and propagate rare and endangered native plants
• Valorisation of environmental and archaeological heritage through the creation of biodiversity gardens and exploratory trails in areas of high interest
• Increased tourist attractiveness of the targeted areas
• Environmental education and public awareness-raising

Prof.ssa Antonia Egidia Cristaudo

📧 acristau@unict.it
📞 +39 3661842748