The Natural Park of the Ampezzo Dolomites celebrates its 30th anniversary

The Natural Park of the Ampezzo Dolomites celebrates its 30th anniversary

22 March 2020 marks the 30th anniversary of the Natural Park of the Ampezzo Dolomites: three decades lived under the banner of sustainability, environmental protection and preservation of the local fauna and flora.

The Park is the result of the fruitful, long-running collaboration between the Veneto Region and the Regole d’Ampezzo – centennial local institution in charge of preserving the collective natural, cultural and economic heritage of Cortina, with the aim of granting the good of future generations.

The 11,200 hectares of protected unspoilt nature, which contain no residential settlements or sport facilities, include breath-taking mountain ranges such as the Tofana, Fanis, Col Bechei, Croda Rossa d’Ampezzo and Cristallo, but also a wide variety of natural habitats that, together with the low-level impact of forestry and pastoral areas, give rise to an unusually rich biodiversity.

The extensive mountainous territory is home to several easy-to-spot animal species such as marmots, deer, ibexes and eagles, as well as to fascinating endemic plants among which the beautiful orchid Scarpetta Madonna (Cypripedium calceolus) and the Sempervivum dolomiticum, the star-shaped red flower symbol of the park and only found in the Dolomites.

A 300 kilometres-long network of roads and trails allows visitors to explore the area’s major mountain passes like Falzarego, Cimabanche and Tre Croci, while eight vie ferrate and six equipped trails reminiscent of World War One await adventure seekers and history lovers.

For further information about the Park see: www.dolomitiparco.com

Photo credits: Michele Da Pozzo