Two years of studies on the state of the Sarca

26 May 2026

Two years of monitoring and scientific analysis to understand how the Sarca River is changing and which measures can help preserve its ecological balance. Commissioned by the Sarca River Park, two research groups worked in a complementary way: the Dicam team from the University of Trento, led by Professor Guido Zolezzi, monitored water temperatures; the Edmund Mach Foundation team, led by researcher Maria Cristina Bruno, analyzed river habitats.

The analyses reveal an overall positive picture: the Sarca continues to represent one of the main ecological corridors in western Trentino, with environments still rich in biodiversity. At the same time, however, the researchers identified critical issues linked to strong variations in temperature and water flow in some stretches of the river, especially in areas affected by hydroelectric plants.

According to the researchers, riparian vegetation and lateral tributaries play a fundamental role in maintaining favorable conditions for aquatic fauna, helping to cool the water and create refuge areas for fish and macroinvertebrates.

The study also assessed the effects of several environmental restoration measures carried out in recent years along the Sarca. In particular, in the stretches at Porte di Rendena and Ponte Arche, positive signs were observed linked to the reconstruction of more diverse habitats through the placement of cyclopean boulders and the restoration of the natural transport of sediments.

The results collected will now provide a useful scientific basis for guiding future river management decisions, with the aim of reconciling environmental protection, territorial safety, and the use of water resources.

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