sustainability
Tuscan Archipelago National Park
La Guardia is proud of its location within the Tuscan Archipelago National Park, as sustainability is now an urgent need that can no longer be postponed. The park consists of seven main islands (Elba, Giglio, Capraia, Gorgona, Pianosa, Giannutri, and Montecristo) and is the largest marine park in Europe. It is included in the prestigious “Green List” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, which recognizes global excellence in protected areas.
The Island of Giglio, like every island in the Tuscan Archipelago, boasts a great variety of ecosystems, making it a true treasure chest of unique and irreplaceable biodiversity, home to many endemic species that must be safeguarded.
The park protects the natural and environmental heritage and ensures the conservation of biodiversity: the Mediterranean scrub dominates with plants such as mastic, myrtle, strawberry tree, broom, rosemary, lavender, and rock-rose. On Giglio Island, there is also a rare holm oak forest in the Franco area. The park area is an important stopping point and nesting site for many migratory birds, including several species of seagulls, such as the Audouin’s gull, the emblem of the park, the Mediterranean gull, the Yelkouan shearwater, and the peregrine falcon.
The Tuscan Archipelago is also part of the “Pelagos Sanctuary for Mediterranean Marine Mammals Protection.” Common fin whales, beaked whales, and various dolphin species can be spotted, while the seabed is covered by vast meadows of Posidonia oceanica, which are crucial for the marine ecosystem.
Moreover, the park preserves and promotes the historical, artistic, and cultural heritage of the islands, fosters environmental awareness and respect for nature, and combats environmental violations. Together with local stakeholders, it supports sustainable tourism and economic development in the Archipelago, enhancing its visibility and promoting local agro-food products and traditions.
Learn more: www.islepark.it
