Natural value
Based on the total natural value, the Park area has been classified in five categories: exceptional, very high, high, moderate and low. There are no areas falling in the last two categories, confirming the high value of the entire Belluno Dolomites.
Sensitivity and vulnerability
The Plan divides the Park area into three sensitivity classes (where the risk of extinction of the ecosystem is linked to variations in environmental factors) and four vulnerability classes (situations in which man may irreparably jeopardise the environment). Vulnerability (the effects of which may be cumulative with those of sensitivity) is particularly high in the case of habitats with the confirmed presence of at risk species (corn crake, grouse), peak habitats, evorsion pools in torrents, the gravel beds of some torrents and some areas of former pastureland.
Zoning and intervention strategies (view map)
Identification of the values in the Park area represents the basis for developing conservation and control strategies and permitted and prohibited uses. Structural zoning therefore leads to functional zoning of the Belluno Dolomites National Park.
The Plan divides the protected area into:
- A. strict nature reserve: with the highest natural values in conditions close to natural equilibrium. It includes about 2500 hectares (part of the Vette Feltrine as far as Piazza del Diavolo, the Caserin area in the Cimonega chain, the Monte Brendol area, Piani Eterni and Monte Talvena) in which nature must be conserved in its current state of integrity. No action is envisaged, unless necessitated by potentially catastrophic events.
- B. general oriented reserve: this is the conservation regime applied to the majority of the Park. Transformation is not permitted, but traditional farming can continue, providing it does not damage the environment. The general oriented reserve regime is compatible with recreational activities and certain production activities and work may be carried out on buildings in support of forestry and farm work.
- C. protection areas: areas along the boundaries or the Park’s axes of penetration in which there is still active farming and forestry, occupations the Park Authority believes should continue and be supported.
- D. economic and social promotion areas: where man’s presence is greater, limited to the Croce d’Aune pass, settlements along the Val Cordevole and a narrow strip of the Val del Mis, near the lake between the Val Falcina and the Gena Bassa. It is believed that tourism and cultural initiatives may contribute to economic development in these areas.