UNESCO - MAB Biosphere Reserves Directory

			Biosphere Reserve Information
			Italy MIRAMARE


	General Description		Miramare Biosphere Reserve and Marine Reserve is situated only about 7 km from the city of Trieste on the Gulf of Trieste close to the Slovenian border. It represents a rocky promontory of karst with coastal cliffs and beaches. Marine habitats of special interest from a conservation perspective are the tidal zone which harbors many endemic species, such as Fucus virsoides, and undisturbed cliffs with a diverse benthic fauna. The aim of the biosphere reserve is to maintain biological diversity in the marine environment surrounding Trieste through scientific research and monitoring activities. Environmental education designed for students and the public is also a major activity in the area. This small biosphere reserve (290 hectares) is not inhabited, however many tourists enjoy underwater tours or visit the castle and garden of the Habsburg family. Both commercial and amateur fishing as well as other recreational activities infringe on the marine habitat. One of the challenges of the biosphere reserve is to involve all stakeholders such as traditional fishermen and the local community, tourism industry, non-governmental organizations, universities and municipalities in the management of the biosphere reserve. The area is managed by the Italian World Wildlife Fund on behalf of Italy’s Ministry of the Environment and Protection of the Territory.
	Major ecosystem type		Mediterranean coastal/marine zone
	Major habitats & land cover types		Zostera marina and Cymodocea nodosa meadows; tidal zone with endemic species such as Fucus virsoides; cliffs where aggregate many commercial fishes; Mediterranean sclerophyllous vegetation on terrestrial part
	Location		45°42'N; 13°42'E
	Area (hectares)
	Total		290
	Core area(s)		30 (of which marine: 30)
	Buffer zone(s)		80 (of which marine: 70)
	Transition area(s) when given		180 (of which marine: 80)
	Altitude (metres above sea level)		-18 to +40
	Year designated		1979
	Administrative authorities		WWF Italia on behalf of the Ministry of Environment Management Committee and a Reserve Board

	Brief description		Monitoring of main physical-chemical parameters of seawater Trends in fish species’ abundance and diversity Eco-behavioural surveys Experiments on introduction and spreading of endangered species Conflict between mussel farming and fishing Studies on Mediterranean biodiversity "hot spots", and socio-economical parameters Coastal management
	*Specific variables...*
	Abiotic		Hydrology, monitoring/methodologies.
	Biodiversity		Biodiversity, coastal/marine, ecology, fishes, rare/endangered/threatened species, reintroduction.
	Socio-economic		Aquaculture/Mariculture, fishery/fisheries, social/socio-economic aspects.
	Integrated monitoring		Conflict, management issues.

	Contact address		Roberto Odorico Riserva Marina di Miramare Viale Miramare 349 34014 TRIESTE Italy
	Telephone		(39.040) 224 147
	Fax		(39.040) 224 147
	E-mail		odorico@shoreline.it odorico@com.area.trieste.it
	Web site		riservamarinamiramare.it

	Contact address		Maurizio Spoto Riserva Marina di Miramare Viale Miramare 349 36014 TRIESTE Italy
	Telephone		(39.040) 224 147
	Fax		(39.040) 224 147
	E-mail		spoto@shoreline.it
	Web site		riservamarinamiramare.it

			n.a.

Last updated: 1/10/2002