Protected areas
Lombardy is a pioneer in the country and has set up a regional ecological network. These are ecological corridors that promote the mobility of species and the maintenance of the evolutionary dynamics of living organisms. The territory also includes European protection areas and nature reserves. The Sebina peat bog nature reserve is particularly noteworthy. Located on the southern shore of Lake Iseo
, it protects a wetland area rich in biodiversity and home to many birds. The reserve is dotted with observation stations and offers a great opportunity to discover the birdlife. For those in search of a nature walk, there is the botanical garden ofIsola Madre, and the Alpinia garden in Stresa.Multiple pollutions
The territory is particularly affected by the pollution caused by industrial activities, transport and intensive agriculture. Lombardy, which is home to industry and intensive livestock farming on the Po plain, is one of the most polluted regions in Italy. The geographical location of the cities and road traffic accentuate pollution. A study published in 2021 in The Lancet Planetary Health highlighted the high concentration of fine particles in Breschia and Bergamo. Milan
is also ranked among the most polluted European cities for its nitrogen dioxide levels. As for lakes, human activities are threatening aquatic ecosystems and the entire food chain. In the 1970s, Lake Lugano was forbidden to swim and suffered from the discharge of industrial effluents, in the absence of sewage facilities. The gradual installation of wastewater treatment facilities - with phosphorus filtration - has significantly improved water quality. Lake Orta, in Piedmont, has suffered from the discharge of effluents from the textile and electro-galvanic industries, aggravating its acidification and generating heavy metal contamination. Here again, the installation of water collection and treatment infrastructures has contributed to the ecological restoration of the environment. Plastic pollution is another matter of concern, as shown by the high level of microplastics measured in Lake Garda in a study published in the journal Current Biology in 2013. Wastewater treatment plants, where they exist, are not designed to filter micro and nanoparticles of plastic from wastewater. Preventive actions exist, such as reducing plastic at source (European regulations, "zero waste" approach) or installing microplastic filters in washing machines.For a slowlife trip
For a slow and authentic trip, the region is accessible by train and bicycle. Cycling routes criss-cross the territory. In Milan, more than half of all urban travel is carbon-free, and car traffic has dropped significantly even as the number of inhabitants has increased. This is the result of a proactive policy aimed at facilitating the use of soft mobility (walking, cycling, public transport) and discouraging car use (limited traffic zones, urban tolls). The municipality also aims to plant 3 million trees within ten years. The Slowfood movement promotes "clean, fair and good" food. Don't hesitate to meet its members in order to reconcile the pleasure of taste buds with respect for the living. The agriturismo network brings together organic farms that welcome visitors.
