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The eastern coast of Taranto features a small system of nature reserves, including “Palude del Conte” and the protected marine area of Porto Cesareo.

The local vegetation consists of the Mediterranean scrub evolved into holm oak (Quercus ilex wood), slowly mutating as it approaches the Chidro River, the most important in the Salento territory, originating in a deep underwater crater.

The fauna includes many birds, sea and marsh water turtles and dolphins.
The Marine Protected Area of Porto Cesareo, some 41.000-acre wide, was established in 1997 and is located in the north-western part of Salento. It is divided into three areas with different levels of protection. The first, the “Integral Reserve Zone” (Zone A), is totally protected and, therefore, any type of human activity is strictly prohibited. The “Partial Reserve Area” (Zone B) provides for limited protection: if you had proper authorization, you could be granted professional fishing, bathing and underwater activities. The “General Reserve Area” (Zone C) performs a “connection” between the other above-mentioned areas: boat anchoring to buoys and sport fishing are allowed inside it, except for freediving.

This post is also available in: Italiano (Italian)