The Gabbianello Oasis in Tuscany: Acqua Panna’s Redevelopment Project

As part of the F.O.N.T.E. Programme, Sanpellegrino has developed a project to regenerate the wetlands of the Gabbianello Oasis, located in the Municipality of Barberino di Mugello and recognised by the Tuscany Region as a Protected Natural Area of Local Interest.

In recent years, the Oasis, which covers 25 hectares, including 8 hectares of flooded areas, has suffered from neglect and deterioration, leading to a gradual reduction in water levels. To address the needs of local communities, Acqua Panna, together with the Municipality of Barberino di Mugello, technical partner Etifor and the University of Florence, has launched a series of activities focused on hydrological and ecosystem restoration and biodiversity monitoring, which will continue through 2030.

The activities completed to date involved a total investment of €1.3 million as of 31 December 2025 and include:

• expanding the wetland area by up to 40% compared with its original size, increasing the surface area of open water by more than 2 hectares;
• restoring the water supply by improving the efficiency of the intake from the Tavaiano stream;
• removing sediment;
• reforestation in the surrounding areas, through the planting of native species while ensuring a high level of species diversity;
• creating walking trails within the Oasis.

Thanks to the collaboration with the University of Florence, which was commissioned in 2024 to conduct a biodiversity study of the Gabbianello Oasis, the area was found to be characterised by wetlands, providing an ideal habitat for numerous species and serving as an important stopover along bird migration routes in the Central Apennines. The study recorded 115 species of birds and amphibians.

In addition to the work already carried out, Acqua Panna’s commitment to the Gabbianello Oasis includes further activities to complete the project, representing an additional investment of €700,000 between 2026 and 2030. Specifically, these activities include:

• restoring existing observation points, building new trails to encourage responsible access, installing fencing to control ungulates, adding information boards, and renovating the existing education centre to accommodate visitors (by 15 October 2026; expected expenditure: €120,000);
• maintaining green areas and water intake infrastructure for five years from 2026 (total expected expenditure: €235,000);
• ongoing monitoring of restored water volumes and biodiversity with the support of specialised partners (expected expenditure: €373,000).

The total investment in the project by 2030 will amount to €2 million.

Find out more about the Gabbianello Oasis redevelopment project and discover all the details of the initiatives supporting biodiversity in the Sustainability Report, which outlines the Sanpellegrino Group’s commitments, projects and achievements in the Communities and Territories chapter.