Scarlino Park: Archaeology, Biodiversity, and the Festival Salviamo il Pianeta

The Parco di Scarlino, also known as Parco delle Bandite, is a protected natural reserve spanning over 60 hectares on the ridge overlooking the Gulf of Follonica in Maremma, Tuscany. It is one of Italy's most important monitoring stations for Mediterranean climate. The park features a rich biodiversity, with flora like salicornia, lentisco, and tamerice, and fauna including free-grazing Maremmana cattle and nesting ospreys. The area includes the Oasi delle Padule, a 130-hectare wildlife oasis along the Val di Pecora, where freshwater mixes with seawater. This wetland was reclaimed in the mid-19th century by the Grand Duke of Lorena through a 'colmata' system. Near the Padule stands the Casello Idraulico del Puntone di Scarlino (built 1905), now housing the Museo Archeologico di Portus Scabris (MAPS), which displays artifacts from seabeds. The park also hosts a breeding program for the endangered Amiantina wild donkey, with over 250 animals, producing milk for cosmetics and food. Scarlino is a 'Bandiera Gialla' cycling-friendly municipality with over 90 km of trails. Local agricultural producers include Campo Ruffaldo, cultivating ancient grains, and Il Pupillo, a historic organic winery since the 1950s. From April 19 to 21, the Festival Salviamo il Pianeta will take place in the ancient village, featuring interdisciplinary discussions on energy transition and environmental protection, along with visual arts, theater, music, book presentations, workshops, and conferences.