1. The Italian Protected Areas: biodiversity conservation, ecosystem services and green economy Eugenio Dupré Italian Ministry of Environment and Protection of Land and Sea

2. Protected Areas in Italy 23 National Parks 29 Marine Protected Areas Over 700 other Protected Areas 2585 Natura 2000 sites Covering around 25% of the territory

3. The real economy in protected areas A study promoted by the Ministry of the Environment has analysed the number and characteristics of the economic activities within protected areas compared to the outside territory http://www.areeprotette-economia.minambiente.it/ English summary http://www.areeprotette-economia.minambiente.it/http://www.areeprotette-economia.minambiente.it/admin/media/5416956349511.pdf

4. Compared to the external territory Protected areas show: Higher density of economical activities More young businessman and workers More sustainable use of natural resources Higher income and higher employed salaries Higher resilience to the economical crisis