FLORA CONSERVATION AND ECOLOGICAL RESTORATION

Knowledge and understanding

Upon completion of the educational activity, the student acquires in-depth knowledge and understands:

·         the main threat factors for wild flora and habitats of Community interest, along with the criteria for classifying conservation status;

·         international and national regulatory frameworks and strategic guidelines for biodiversity protection (GSPC, European Strategy for Plant Conservation, EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030, National Biodiversity Strategy 2030);

·         theoretical and methodological principles of ex situ conservation (germplasm banks, harvesting, preparation, and storage protocols) and in situ conservation (protected areas, habitat protection, management of small populations);

·         ecophysiological and biological mechanisms related to germination, propagation, and preservation of genetic diversity in native and endemic Mediterranean species;

·         theoretical models and operational tools of ecological restoration (population reinforcement/restocking, reintroduction, introduction) and the synergies of integrated conservation (in situ and ex situ), also through European funding frameworks (e.g., LIFE, INTERREG).

Applying knowledge and understanding

Upon completion of the educational activity, the student is able to:

·         design and implement operational protocols for harvesting, processing, long-term storage, and germination/propagation testing of target species germplasm;

·         develop and implement monitoring plans for plant populations at risk and in critically endangered conservation status;

·         define and execute practical ecological restoration and environmental rehabilitation interventions using native Mediterranean species;

·         evaluate and interpret genetic diversity data to efficiently plan and manage ex situ collections and natural reintroduction projects.

Making judgements

The student develops the ability to:

·         critically evaluate the threat status of plant species and habitats to select the most appropriate conservation strategy (in situ, ex situ, or integrated);

·         analyze and interpret the results of biological tests, field monitoring, and genetic analyses to optimize environmental restoration efforts;

·         formulate independent judgements and operational choices when drafting projects and solving complex issues related to biodiversity management.

Communication skills

The student acquires the necessary skills to:

·         clearly communicate, both orally and in writing, concepts, methodologies, and results related to plant conservation and ecological restoration using appropriate technical-scientific terminology;

·         rigorously present and defend technical reports, laboratory/field reports, and group projects, interfacing effectively with both field specialists and non-expert stakeholders.

Learning skills

The student acquires tools and methods to:

·         independently consult and analyze scientific literature, databases, and international directives in applied botany and conservation biology;

·         independently pursue advanced study pathways or professional development (master’s theses, postgraduate degrees, PhDs, executive courses) and carry out applied individual research projects.

To successfully follow the course Plant Conservation and Ecological Restoration, students are expected to have:

·         core knowledge of plant anatomy, morphology, life cycles, and major taxonomic groups (specifically Angiosperms and Gymnosperms).

·         basic understanding of population dynamics, plant community structures, ecosystems, ecological succession, and ecological niches.

·         principles of basic genetics, population genetics (genetic variation, drift, selection), and molecular mechanisms of diversity.

·         fundamentals of plant distribution and main Mediterranean habitat types.

Attendance is mandatory, in accordance with Article 30 of the University Regulations.

Student evaluation and the verification of expected learning outcomes are carried out through an integrated examination divided into two parts:

·         presentation and discussion of a project/case study - an oral presentation (supported by slides) of a technical report or project developed by the student (individually or in groups) based on the practical laboratory and field activities. Evaluation focuses on the ability to apply operational protocols, the correctness of methodological and data analysis, critical judgement, and communication effectiveness;

·         oral Examination - an individual discussion aimed at assessing mastery of the theoretical concepts of the syllabus (threat factors, European/national strategies, ex situ and in situ conservation, ecological restoration, and funding frameworks). Evaluation focuses on the use of appropriate scientific terminology, analytical rigor, and the ability to critically link theoretical concepts with practical applications.

Final Grade Criteria: the final grade (marked out of 30) reflects the combined performance in both the project presentation and the oral exam, taking into account critical thinking skills, completeness of knowledge, and clarity of presentation.

Grades are expressed on a 30-point scale according to the following criteria:

Fail

• Knowledge and understanding of the subject: significant gaps and inaccuracies
• Analysis and synthesis skills: irrelevant, frequent generalizations
• Use of references: completely inappropriate

18–20

• Knowledge and understanding of the subject: very limited, noticeable flaws
• Analysis and synthesis skills: bare minimum / just sufficient
• Use of references: barely appropriate

21–23

• Knowledge and understanding of the subject: slightly more than sufficient
• Analysis and synthesis skills: fair analysis and synthesis skills, argues in a logical and coherent manner
• Use of references: uses standard references

24–26

• Knowledge and understanding of the subject: good knowledge
• Analysis and synthesis skills: good analysis and synthesis skills, topics are presented coherently
• Use of references: uses standard references

27–29

• Knowledge and understanding of the subject: more than good knowledge
• Analysis and synthesis skills: remarkable analysis and synthesis skills
• Use of references: has explored the topics in depth

30–30 cum laude

• Knowledge and understanding of the subject: excellent knowledge
• Analysis and synthesis skills: remarkable analysis and synthesis skills
• Use of references: significant in-depth insigh

To ensure equal opportunities and in compliance with current laws, students may request a personal interview in order to plan any compensatory and/or dispensatory measures based on educational objectives and specific needs. Students can also contact the CInAP (Centro per l’integrazione Attiva e Partecipata — Servizi per le Disabilità e/o DSA) through the referring professor within the Department

In situ conservation

Ex situ conservation

Role of germplasm banks

Methods and criteria for environmental renaturation and restoration activities with native plants

Techniques for short- and long-term seed storage

Management of plant germplasm

Which threat factors act on plant diversity