Italy's First Birdwatching School: The Need to Protect Nature Combines with Artificial Intelligence and Emotional Connection

Po Deltası Parkı Başkanı Aida Morelli, the fundamental philosophy behind the new project is the idea that people will never protect what they struggle to love. Established in line with this view, the Birdwatching School goes down in history as the first application in İtalya to combine nature education with artificial intelligence technology. The school's primary aim is not limited to teaching participants to recognize bird species; it also seeks to establish a strong emotional bond between humans and nature that enables conservation actions. Po Deltası Parkı, along with optical device manufacturer Swarovski Optik Italia and EBN Italia, played a major role in realizing this project.

The educational curriculum includes the use of state-of-the-art optical devices in addition to fieldwork and introduces the AX Visio smart binoculars, a novelty in the field. These smart devices highlight the technological aspect of the project with their ability to automatically identify the bird species users are observing. Franco Cernigliaro, CEO of Swarovski Optik Italia, states that the project is based on the "Conserve to see" philosophy. According to him, this project offers an immersive experience that allows participants to discover the region's 'hidden beauty' through high-quality telescopes and binoculars.

Within the scope of the project, six different special areas have been identified, described as the region's richest and most vibrant points in terms of biodiversity. These areas aim to contribute to the protection of the ecosystem while offering visitors the opportunity to experience natural life up close. Two important points stand out around Ravenna; the first is the tower of Valle Mandriole, which is İtalya's tallest birdwatching tower with a height of 16 metres. The second point is known as the Reno embankments (argine), which stretch for twelve kilometres and host quite rich species diversity.

The Valle Mandriole tower offers a unique point for observing species such as the spatola due to its dominant position over the surrounding pine forests, marshes and garzaie (heronries). The Reno embankments, on the other hand, constitute an important area in terms of biological richness, especially for birdwatchers, thanks to their structure creating reeds, puddles and valliers (wetlands). These locations show that the project plays a strategic role not only for educational purposes but also for the promotion of the region's ecological values and sustainable tourism.

To emphasize the scientific and cultural value of this initiative, İtalya's most distinguished experts in biodiversity and environmental awareness were present at the opening. The event featured names such as Giampiero Sammuri, former president of Federparchi, and science communicator Francesco Petretti, known from television. Also, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR) researcher Paolo Bonasoni, EBN trainer Enrico Castellucci, university lecturer Antonella Pescio and illustrator Alessandro Troisi were part of the project's scientific advisory team, reinforcing the project's seriousness. The Birdwatching School opens its doors not only to nature enthusiasts but also to beginners in the field, appealing to a wide audience.