Oasis of Bando: a natural refuge

The "Anse Vallive di Porto" Fauna Protection Oasis is located in the municipalities of Portomaggiore and Argenta and has an area of 608 hectares. It is also called "Bacino di Bando" or "Anse di Bando," due to a complex of bodies of water of about 55 hectares that characterize it.

The basins were used until 1983 by Eridania to discharge and decant wastewater from the production process of the Bando Sugar Mill, a few kilometers away. In 1971 a fauna protection oasis was established because of the large number of birds that frequented the area during the months when it was not used for industrial purposes.

Following the decommissioning of the plant, the area has acquired considerable environmental and wildlife significance with important bird and fish populations. To prevent the conversion of the ponds to farmland, the Ferrara Provincial Administration leased the area in 1985 and purchased it in 1989.

In our province these basins are of great importance for the birds that inhabit them and for the conservation of native fish species.