New leadership appointed to Italian national parks

New leadership appointments have been announced for two Italian national parks. Lucia Baracchini has been named president of the Parco Nazionale dell’Appennino Tosco-Emiliano. Having previously served as the Extraordinary Commissioner, Baracchini’s appointment follows an institutional process initiated by the Ministry of Environment and Energy Security. Her priorities include ecosystem protection, cultural heritage valorization, and securing European project funding to support local mountain communities.

Additionally, Sonia Anelli has assumed the role of acting Director for the Parco Nazionale Arcipelago Toscano. Anelli, who also serves as Director for the Parco Nazionale delle Dolomiti Bellunesi, took over the position on August 7 via a convention between the two parks. Her initial focus involves meeting with local stakeholders and staff to understand the unique complexities of the archipelago’s seven islands and their economic and natural values.