DOLOMITES - Annexes 2-8 - Provincia di Udine

NOMINATION OF THE DOLOMITES FOR INSCRIPTION ON THE WORLD NATURAL HERITAGE LIST UNESCO
A2.2 ECOLOGICAL ASPECTS OF THE
DOLOMITES: THE FLORA AND THE FAUNA
introduction
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The Dolomites are universally known for the breathtaking beauty of their rock walls. Even when the
huge rock towers loom vertically above narrow valleys they still give visitors a sensation of delicate
charm evoked by their immense soaring spires and thousands of high pinnacles.
This zone is the birthplace of Alpinism sport. The Dolomites’ multitude of vertiginous sheer precipices
and rock walls are a challenge for anyone who is keen on climbing, in fact these mountains offer
infinitive possibilities for those who want to dare that which seems impossible to climb.
“These are not the only principle diversities of the Dolomites’ landscape in respect to the harsh Alps. In fact,
the variety of Dolomite rock forms, hues and shades contrast intensely with the bare rocks and the slopes underlying
them, which are lush green pastures and woodlands during the summer. Furthermore, spread out
below the Dolomites one can admire distinctive groups of gigantic rocky masses and huge blocks of rock”
“In a sense these high Dolomite Mountains seem to be divided into two distinct parts, thus generating an
aerial width to the landscape and creating a vivid boldness to its rock forms. The huge blocks of rock stand
out in contrast from the slopes and pebble cones they dominate and their backdrop is even more evident
when the wide valleys are covered in lush green pastures and thickets.” Aldo Sestini, the renowned geographic
academic, wrote this prologue about the Dolomite landscape in 1963.
Little can be said today, except to comment that over the last fifty years the weight of mankind in
forging his way between rocks and living nature, and the limitations between pastures and woods
and those between agricultural systems and urban systems, has increased excessively. If in the past nature
and its scenery dominated the landscape, nowadays mankind’s manipulation is far too evident.
However in many areas, even in spite of the growing rate of tourist exploitation, many rural activities
are suffering from rapid regression. Therefore large areas are almost naturally surrendered and are
thus used for the spontaneous recovery of biocenosis.
This phenomenon does not occur only in the highest areas, where animal grazing no longer takes
place and the forests have increased, covering slopes and overgrowing borders imposed by the secular
grazing of cows and sheep. Even around the villages down in the valleys, the fields and the kitchengardens
are also invaded by arboreal neo-formations, sometimes in a very short time and with the
involvement of species which used to be quite rare in these zones.
The living landscape has therefore changed, and the transformations nowadays are more forceful due
to clime warming and rainfall variations. Thus creating an interesting new motivation for naturalistic
observation, this, within the Dolomites has many great historical examples of absolute scientific
interest.
It is crucial to contribute to the majestic Dolomites landscape by taking into consideration its main
elements of flora, vegetation and wildlife.