The Mediterranean area is one of the focal points of biodiversity on a global scale. The prolonged impact of man contributed to this classification also by mean of transformations of the landscape induced by agriculture. We are therefore witnessing a mixing of landscape elements which leads to the formation of several new habitats.

Olive trees are an integral part of the Mediterranean area and key elements of the landscape. Today this long-lived tree affects the life of the inhabitants of these territories from social and cultural points of view, and is the symbol of the Mediterranean traditions. Vineyards are another important element of the Mediterranean history and the recent increasing of the economic value of the wine produced an enlargement of the cultivated areas with relevant effects both on the biodiversity and the landscape. Nowadays both these crops constitutes an important development factor and play a relevant role in the conservation of the natural environment.

Within the SIGMA2 project, researches on biodiversity on the trans-boundary area between Italy and Slovenia have been conducted, mainly focused on olive trees, vineyards and fruit orchards, also included in protected areas. Innovative tools for the pest control in olive trees and vineyard through a sustainable approach have also been implemented and transferred to farmer for the permanent increasing of the agricultural practices.

Starter, partner of the project, contributed to design the project and carried out several activities included the production of the ‘operative guidelines for the management of biodiversity in high natural value areas with traditional farming’ and the assistance for the proper management of administrative aspects.