Madonie Regional Park with its 40,000 hectares, is one of the most biodiverse areas in Sicily. Yet the Pollina River Basin, the park’s largest, is under threat from pollution, droughts, illegal water extraction, and extreme weather events.

We will bring together science, education, and participatory action to protect this vital ecosystem through key activities: environmental DNA (eDNA) sampling & analysis; the creation of a participatory biodiversity map of the river; a scientific report aimed at policymakers; an illustrated storybook for local communities and schools, a final event at Serra Guarneri Environmental Education Center. All aimed at empowering local communities to become guardians of the river.

DNA River is a project conducted by Palma Nana, implemented in collaboration and with the support of Sicily Environment Fund, with technical support of Nature Metrics.

With the DNA River project, we are beginning a journey between science and community. These days we are out in the field conducting site explorations; and soon, we will start collecting environmental DNA, mapping biodiversity, and co-creating knowledge to protect this ecosystem.

Follow the next steps: you can participate in the sampling activities and in the creation of a shared map of the river.