Oasi WWF della Laguna di Orbetello

The WWF Oasis of the Orbetello Lagoon protects an extensive wetland on the western side of the lagoon. Its shallow waters and reedbeds support a rich birdlife, including flamingos and ospreys, within a coastal landscape of water, marsh and sand tombolos.

Why it matters

The oasis was established in 1971 after a colony of black-winged stilts was identified in the lagoon. It became one of WWF Italia's early protected areas and forms part of a wetland recognised under the Ramsar Convention and the Natura 2000 network.

What to notice

The lagoon's mix of open water, mudflats and shore vegetation attracts many species of birds. Flamingos are among its most recognisable seasonal visitors, while ospreys nest on a platform established within the reserve. The surrounding sand spits of Giannella and Feniglia separate the lagoon from the Tyrrhenian Sea.

Context and history

Fishing has long been part of the lagoon's economy. In the twentieth century, water-quality problems prompted coordinated management of the wetland. The protected area is managed by WWF in collaboration with public bodies, balancing the conservation of the lagoon's habitats with human activity around its shores.