We present “Operazione Paladini del Territorio” (Operation Guardians of the Environment), an initiative established in 2020 from the close collaboration between the UNA Foundation and its founding members. The Operation is dedicated to restoring degraded areas – different types of ecosystem, promoting the hunting world’s contribution to the conservation and care of nature and the environment. Furthermore, it encourages Italian hunters, to be active in protecting their local territories. However, the initiative is open to the whole civil society and any local bodies or institutions can sponsor the initiative and collaborate for the successful implementation of the project.
More than 4000 people, driven by love and care for their territory, actively participated in initiatives organised by more than 130 hunting clubs and held in numerous local communities in 15 regions, leading to the collection and disposal of 40 tonnes of illegally deposited waste in both natural and urban areas, giving benefits to more than 5 million people living in the affected areas.
From 2024 project is open to welcome and collect all voluntary initiatives organized by local and national hunting sections 365 days per year. It is in our interest to combine all the beneficial and positively impactful actions that hunters have carried out over the course of the year, not only in terms of restoring and cleaning up environments, but including all initiatives through which the hunting circles are active in their communities, also from a social point of view, such as environmental education with children.
Each activity is then included in a communication plan that highlights the activities carried out with local and national media and on social media, highlighting the quantity and type of waste collected, such as hazardous material (i.e. used syringes) or bulky material (i.e. tyres, refrigerators).
EU Policy Relevance
Operation Guardians of the Environment aligns with the European Green Deal and the EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030, both of which stress the importance of restoring ecosystems, reducing pollution, and fostering community-led conservation efforts. The initiative supports the EU’s Circular Economy Action Plan, emphasizing waste management, recycling, and reducing environmental pollution.
Additionally, by promoting environmental education and involving local communities, the project advances the EU’s Environmental Action Programme (EAP) goals of raising environmental awareness and strengthening public engagement in sustainability. Through this initiative, Italian hunters demonstrate how grassroots efforts can contribute to achieving key EU sustainability and biodiversity targets, positioning themselves as essential partners in Europe’s environmental future.
The 2023 Operation was great, doubling the previuos year’s results thanks to the hunters’ commitment and attachment to the territory: more than 4000 people, driven by love and care for their territory, actively participated in initiatives organised by more than 130 hunting clubs and held in numerous local communities in 15 regions, leading to the collection and disposal of 40 tonnes of illegally deposited waste in both natural and urban areas, giving benefits to more than 5 million people living in the affected areas.
Through this project, hunters confirm their commitment in spreading greater awarness about hunting activity, especially addressing younger generations and in maintaining the figure of the hunter as a Guardian of the environment’, a modern hunter who is an environmental guardian, a fundamental aid in safeguarding the ecosystem and the balance of fauna and nature.
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For more information please visit: https://www.fondazioneuna.org/
ANUU’s Commitment to Conservation: Celebrating the International Environment Award
Fondazione UNA – UNA Foundation
Country: Italy
Species characteristics: Huntable species, Protected species
Type of actions: Nature education and awareness
Starting date: 2020
Leading partner: Fondazione UNA - UNA Foundation https://www.fondazioneuna.org/
Other partners: FIDC - Federazione Italiana Della Caccia
How the project is funded: Volunteers
