Three thousand hectares of unspoiled land. Nature in abundance, natural habitat of some of the last surviving Sardinian deer. The area around Monte Arcosu (a few kilometres from Cagliari) was actually the property of a real estate company from Milan which, after a few attempts to get a return from it, decided to put it up for sale.
It is 1985. There is a serious danger that some speculators will buy the area and construct huge hotel complex. The WWF are alerted to the prospect of a concrete monstrosity. Despite undisguised scepticism on the part of numerous members frightened by the cost of the operation, they initiate a fund-raising drive and request finance from the EEC. The sum of 600 million Lire is needed to buy the land. The funds raised outdo all expectations, and with the 300 million provided by the EEC, the management can have enough to both buy and manage the land for the first year.
Thus began the nature reserve of Monte Arcosu. Ten years on, the reserve is part the area which will become the larger Parco del Sulcis and has already achieved some important objectives: above all, the conservation and reproduction of the Sardinian deer, which have increased in population from 80 to 250 at present. "In 1985 the area was already controlled by the WWF", explains Carlo Murgia, director of the reserve, "being an area where the Sardinian deer was found, a species which together with the nun seal and the vulture, is becoming seriously threatened. The first study of the behaviour of this superb animal was carried out in 1966 by the English biologist Jenkins. The huge cost of the operation created quite a lot of doubt over the acquisition of the area, but the fund-raising success and the EEC contribution convinced the sceptics in the end."
Covering 3,000 hectares, the Monte Arcosu reserve is already the largest in Italy, but could expand further. An extremely beautiful wood behind Monte Lattias (the highest peak of the area at 1086 mts) is under consideration and would add a further 600 hectares if aqcuired by the WWF. The immensity of the reserve can be grasped when compared to national parks in other European countries - in England, for example, they don't exceed 1,000 - 1,500 hectares.
The first initiative to be carried out by the WWF at Monte Arcosu was an attempt to end poaching. This difficult task has not yet been achieved, despite great efforts. WWF park wardens frequently find deer and boar carcasses, victims of the poachers' traps because they are not diffuse enough.
The number of visitors continues to grow, although the park interior requires new infrastructure, such as a well-equipped visitors' centre. A new museum is under construction, as is an enclosure near the entrance where visitors will be able to see fallow deer and moufflon (wild sheep).
"In this way", adds Carlo Murgia, "only the most motivated visitors will continue on to the refuge, and we may also restric traffic by limiting access to bicycles and horses."
A special three-year project aims to remove much of the undergrowth and create new clearings. At the same time, research projects are to take place - deer movements are to be followed using electronic tagging. Similar research using radiocollars is already being carried out on behaviour of the wild cat, a species which in is found in Sardinia only on the Gennargentu mountain range and at Monte Arcosu. It goes without saying that the reserve also provides employment for people in various posts such as wardens, builders, and general workmen.
Ninety percent of the territory of the reserve lies within the comune (municipal area) of Uta. The rest is divided between the comuni of Assemini and Siliqua. There are naturally areas of conflict in the rapport between comuni, particularly when certain councils support the interests of hunters. There are no problems however, as far as regards the Parco del Sulcis; "The creation of a functioning park," says its director, "can never create problems, because the reserve could be made a specially protected area of the greater park. Alternatively, following a Spanish analogy, the WWF can cede the reserve to the government, having achieved its function which is to provide environmental education. What better outcome of the creation of a park could you expect?
What is the WWF?
The WWF, (World Wildlife Fund), is the biggest world organization for environmental conservation. It operates in 28 nations, where it promotes fund-raising campaigns for conservation projects and environmental education.
Since 1961 the WWF has intervened in over 130 places around the world to promote and sustain the creation of protected areas to save animals and plants from extinction.
The Nature Reserve of Monte Arcosu
lies in south-west Sardinia between Uta, Assemini and Siliqua.
How to get there:
From Cagliari take the SS 195 road in the direction of Pula. After 8.7 km, turn off the road and after about 7 km take the second road west and you arrive at the valley of the Rio Guttureddu. The road has recently been asphalted. Pass the church of Santa Lucia and turn right once more and following the signs you arrive at the entrance to the reserve after following a track for a short way.
You can visit the reserve all year excluding the months of August and September, periods when the census of the deer takes place. The reserve has guest rooms which can be rented nightly at 20,000 Lire per person.
To enter the reserve you pay an entry fee of 5,000 Lire. Entrance free on "Reserve Day" (Giornata dell'Oasi) which will be in October this year. It is also free for residents of Uta, Assemini, Siliqua and Capoterra.
For more information:
Cooperativa Sardegna Ambiente Tel 070/9245471 - 0336/866960