Somma-Vesuvio and Miglio d'Oro Biosphere Reserve

UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, inscribed 1997, in Italy. This biosphere reserve is located on the Gulf of Naples and encompasses the active volcano Vesuvius, famous for its eruption in AD 79, which engulfed the town of Pompeii. The biosphere reserve includes the Vesuvius Park, which is protected, and a transition area that covers the surrounding coastline.The Archaeological Areas of Pompeii, Ercolano and Torre Annunziata are also inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. This area has been settled since antiquity and incorporates the town of Pompeii and the Vesuvian Villas, which were built by rich Neapolitan families in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries.There is a long history of studies on the colonisation of lava by vegetation across different epochs. The traditional agricultural areas are diverse, with fruit, vines and flowers. The diversity of fauna is relatively poor however, the site acts as a resting and staging area for migratory birds. The local population practises agriculture, but traditional activities are declining. Measures are now being taken to renew interest in rural heritage and to develop cultural tourism and ecotourism.