Pantano di Pignola. 13/12/06; Basilicata; 172 ha; 40°36'N 015°45'E. Site of Community Importance EU Directive, Important Bird Area, Regional Nature Reserve. The wetland originated as a muddy pool collecting the contribution of a few springs. During the 1930s and '40s, under the fascist regime, the area was drained for farming development and to reduce the incidence of malaria. Towards the 1960s nearby fields were partially converted into a storage reservoir and now the site is currently undergoing a gradual return to natural conditions. This semi-natural basin of 2.5m depth is characterised by a varied and well-structured botanical community; fringe vegetation includes Phragmitetum communis, Typhetum angustifoliae and Scirpetum lacustris. Well represented are perennial grasses and sedge formations typical of the alluvial banks of large Mediterranean rivers. The lake also represents an important transit and nesting site for a number of residential and migratory bird species. Several farm tourism centres are developing in response to a growing demand for cultural tourism, as the area is renowned for its typical products like cheeses, wines and beans. WWF operates an active programme of conservation education. Ramsar site no. 1666. Most recent RIS information: 2006.