"The Asti WWF, which in 2004 celebrates its 20th anniversary, runs 5 oasis in the province of Asti, small, completely unrepeatable nature areas saved from destruction; the best known oasis, and the one most representative of the environmental protection work carried out by the “panda” association, is Valmanera, covering about 10 hectares , with meadows, hedgerows, a part of the Valmanera river and woodland”

Within the oasis rises "Villa Paolina", a complex of Liberty-style buildings (villa, cottage, portico, storehouses, etc.) dating back to the mid-1800s, which the WWF of Asti, right since 1986, has pinpointed for the creation of an Environmental Education Centre at national level. Long years of voluntary work and extraordinary commitment on the part of the WWF, Asti 's feather in the cap, have enabled the building complex and its park to be brought back to their ancient splendour, rescuing them from neglect and decay. Villa Paolina will also be the seat of one of Asti WWF's most ambitious and interesting projects: A.B.I.T.AT. ( Asti province Territorial Information Atlas of Biology)

This data bank will gather in all the previous indications regarding the flora and fauna of the Asti province, enabling one to gain knowledge of and programme the conservation of the greatest and most endangered patrimony: biodiversity. A.B.I.T.AT will collaborate and integrate with Lower Monferrato's corresponding data bank (Biomonf), run by Crea Park, and will act as the driving force for new naturalistic research and investigation in the province of Asti, becoming a unique and indispensable reference point for those who have to deal with territorial management and environmental protection. This Asti WWF project will be backed by the Michele Chiarlo wine company of Calamandrana.

Teo Ferrero

WWF Official sites: sito del WWF Asti | WWF Italia