Wetlands Research Centre

The Wetlands Research Centre is part of the Management Body for the protected Areas of the piedmontese Po.

It is based at the San Genuario Marsh.

The Centre focuses on the investigation of wetland-specific habitats and their constituent species.

The Centre houses:

• the bird banding station of the Piedmontese Ornithological Research Group (GPSO).
  Here, specialist staff monitor breeding and migratory bird species.
  Bird banding is a standard research technique for long-term, individual avian monitoring.
  Following capture in non-injurious mist nets, a unique, lightweight metal band is attached to the bird's tarsus, after which it is promptly released to reduce stress.
  This method is highly effective for studying bird biology, ecology, behavior, migration, and demographics.
  The San Genuario Marsh is a ringing station for the scientific monitoring programme known as MonITRing, in partnership with the Piedmontese Ornithological Studies Group.
• the operational headquarters of the Emys Piemonte Centre.
  The Centre spearheads a reintroduction initiative for the European pond turtle (Emys orbicularis).
  It focuses on captive breeding and head-starting, which involves rearing vulnerable juvenile groups in a protected setting.
  Following appropriate husbandry and development, individuals are released into natural habitats rehabilitated via targeted environmental restoration efforts.

The center welcomes the public and educational groups for tours and visits, arranged by appointment.

The Centre provides:

• training courses and workshops;
• events and initiatives.