Barena Association
Purpose
Barena Association is dedicated to the preservation of the Northern Venetian Lagoon, its unique wetland environment, flora and fauna, and Indigenous culture and traditions.
Objective
Barena Association’s main mission is to support their SOS Barena project, dedicated to protecting and restoring sections of the intertidal Northern Venetian Lagoon salt marshes known locally as “Barene”. The unique habitats of the Lagoon are rapidly disappearing through erosion, primarily as a result of human impact. At the core of the SOS Barena project is the involvement of the local fishermen and other community members to design and implement conservation actions. Together with their knowledge and intimate bond to the Lagoon, Barena Association aims to create an approach that will be sustainable, long-term, and both ecologically and socially beneficial.
Impact
Barena Association is TreadRight’s 5th nature-based solution partner. TreadRight supports The Travel Corporation’s net zero ambition and Climate Action Plan by prioritizing support for, and investments into, nature-based solutions to the climate crisis.
TreadRight’s grant will be used to construct barriers of fascines made with biodegradable material such as recycled wood and for the pumping of sediments between the fascines and the marsh’s edge. These fascines shield the marshes from waves, enabling root systems to develop so that they can protect the marsh soil from further erosion.
The grant will allow for the installation and maintenance of up to 150 meters of fascines over the next two years. This will protect approximately 3.24 hectares of salt marshes, while offering indirect protection of an additional 7.60 hectares of salt marshes through the wave-break functions of the 3.24 hectares.
Salt marshes not only host a rich biodiversity in terms of habitats, fauna (e.g. water birds) and flora, but are one of the ecosystems on earth to sequester the most carbon per unit surface. This work will allow Barena Association to sequester around 17.7 – 59.3 tonnes of carbon.
In addition to the environmental benefits, the project supports livelihoods, at a time of crisis for lagoon fisheries. The project hires local fishermen, who have an intimate bond to, and knowledge of, the intricacies of the lagoon and they are able to apply these during both the construction and maintenance of the barriers. Working with nature-based solutions and local, manual labour allows Barena Association to treat the very delicate Venetian salt marshes, with the utmost respect.
Note: the Northern Venetian Lagoon is a protected area in critical need of restoration. We do not encourage its visitation. You can help sustain the lagoon by respectfully not traveling there.
UN GLOBAL GOALS
This solution is taking urgent climate action to address carbon dioxide emissions in the atmosphere while safeguarding traditional practices and supporting local livelihoods. It also sustainably manages and protects marine ecosystems, by strengthening their resilience and taking action for their restoration.
Transformative Travel
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