« The wings of the Jubilee »: the first map of the nesting birds in the churches and monuments of Rome is born

An illustrated map of the nesting birds in churches and monuments of the jubilee paths. Born « The wings of the Jubilee/The Wings of the Jubilee » (Pandion Edizioni), an editorial product that contributes to unite the monumental imagination of our country – in particular religious – with The knowledge and protection of biodiversity and to provide a tool of knowledge and recall for pilgrims, tourists and citizens. For its realization it has been activated a fundraising And a series of Trekking/urban birdwatching events with the presence of expert zoologists, such as that of June 7 in Romeon the occasion of the World Rondoni Dayespecially the flag of urban biodiversity, e Jubilee of the associations. An initiative – supported and promoted by LIPU/BIRDLIFE ITALIA, LIVE MONUMENTS, SPRUU, MAREVIVO FOUNDATION – which acquires an even greater value if you remember that in 2025 they are celebrated The 800 years of the Canticle of Creatures.

The map – in an Italian/English bilingual version – offers the possibility of discovering many living species that share the urban environment with us, as well as spreading a culture of coexistence and conservation. The presence of fauna on and in buildings (therefore called « living monuments ») constitutes an element of the wider concept of urban biodiversity. In particular, Rome has an incredible environmental wealth: Rondoni, turns, gheppi and pilgrims discovering in the bell towers, tower and roofs of the numerous churches an attractive and peculiar environment. Even the seven Roman basilicas and in particular San Pietro with its huge dome, but also Santa Maria Maggiore, Santa Croce in Jerusalem and San Lorenzo outside the walls, are particularly sought after by many wild, not only because they satisfy The height requirement and therefore of safety, but also for the abundance of niches, cracks and ravines that allow him to Raise the offspring inside shelters Easily reachable and well repaired.

The map represents an important tool for those who want to approach the practice of a full ecology – recalled by the encyclical Laudato yes by Pope Francis – and contribute to the care of the common house, in the awareness that Humanity is facing a dramatic loss of biodiversityglobally. « The project was born within a community of activists, ornithologists and enthusiasts of nature, but wants to reach the eyes and heart of the millions of pilgrims and tourists who will visit the eternal city, of the Roman residents – in particular the students – and of the ecclesiastical world, generating information and awareness. The birds (and not only) that nest between houses, monuments, public parks, can be considered our « fellow citizens » in all respects, and I believe it is essential that our churches are in particular to be bearers of a message of protection of biodiversity, therefore of the sacredness of life, at full level « , tells the Corriere della Sera Franco Sacchettiwriter and illustrator, coordinator of the project, underlining how «the seasonal return of migratory birds brings with it, as always, a message marked by universality, to overcoming walls and borders, As geographic as ideological, and mutual understanding ».