Ficedula and the Municipality of Gambarogno Join Forces to Protect Swallows.

The Municipality of Gambarogno and Ficedula, an association dedicated to the study and conservation of birds in Italian-speaking Switzerland, are collaborating to protect the house martin through a variety of initiatives: from installing artificial nest boxes to activities with schools, as well as raising public awareness through informational signs. Ficedula hopes that this initiative can be replicated in other municipalities throughout the canton.

Since last spring, the Municipality of Gambarogno and Ficedula have been working to protect the house martin, a species that has always been closely associated with our homes for nesting purposes.

The Municipality of Gambarogno enthusiastically welcomed the association’s proposal, and thanks to this collaboration, several initiatives have been carried out. In early spring, a conference was held to inform and raise awareness among residents about the importance of swallows, as well as house martins and swifts, and about the simple measures that can help conserve them.

At the same time, beautiful informational signs have been created to be placed both on the ground and on building facades. These signs are intended to draw attention to the presence of nests and encourage respect for them; the nesting of all species is, in fact, protected by law.

In the most sensitive situations, where natural nesting sites are limited or at risk, artificial nests have also been installed to provide new nesting opportunities and help maintain the colonies in the area.

Activities were also held with schools; through field trips in the Gambarogno area, many students were able to observe the nests firsthand, learn about the species, and participate in censuses, becoming young researchers for a day.

These initiatives are part of the Interreg Italy–Switzerland “Border Ecosystems” program, which promotes shared and sustainable management of the Ticino River Ecological Corridor—a project that has adopted the swallow as its symbol. In addition to Ficedula, partners include Fondazione, Bolle di Magadino, and Parco del Piano di Magadino.

It is important to remember that the destruction or damage of swallow nests is prohibited by federal law: the nests are protected because they belong to a species that is subject to special protection. Removing them constitutes a punishable offense.

Ficedula hopes that this initiative can be replicated in other municipalities within the canton that are interested in promoting the conservation of swallows, as well as house martins and swifts, and in raising public awareness about the importance of biodiversity in human settlements. Ficedula is available to provide consultation and assistance with similar projects. Interested municipalities can contact the association at info@ficedula.ch.