UNESCO - MAB Biosphere Reserves Directory

	Biosphere Reserve Information
	Italy SOMMA-VESUVIO AND MIGLIO D'ORO	© Photo: Archivio fotografico del Parco nazionale del Vesuvio


General Description	This biosphere reserve is located on the Gulf of Naples and encompasses the active volcano Vesuvius, which is well know for its eruption in 79 AD, covering the town of Pompeii. The biosphere reserve includes the Vesuvius Park which is strictly protected and its transition area on the surrounding coastline. The ‘Archaeological Areas of Pompei, Ercolano, and Torre Annunziata’ are also inscribed on the World Heritage list. This area has been settled since Antiquity and incorporates the town of Pompeii and the Vesuvian Villas, which were built by rich Napolitan families in the 16th and 17th centuries. The long history of studies on the colonization of vegetation on lava of different ages is of particular research interest. The traditional agricultural areas are diverse in fruit, vines and flowers. The fauna is relatively poor but the site is a resting and staging area for migratory birds. The local population of 200,000 people (1999) essentially practice agriculture, however traditional activities are declining. Measures are being taken to renew interest in the rural heritage and develop cultural tourism and ecotourism.
Major ecosystem type	Evergreen sclerophyllous forests, woodlands or scrub
Major habitats & land cover types	Lava flow habitats with Stereocaulon vesuvianum, Helianthemion guttati, Helichrysum litoreum etc.; maquis communities; oak woodlands (Quercus ilex); mixed woodlands with Quercus pubescens, Acer obtusatum and A. neapolitanum
Location	40°49'N; 14°26'E
Area (hectares)
Total	13,500
Core area(s)	4,000
Buffer zone(s)	5,000
Transition area(s) when given	4,500
Altitude (metres above sea level)	0 to +1,281
Year designated	1997
Administrative authorities	Ente Parco, Ministry of the Environment

Last updated: 2/20/2001