27 January 2018

On January 23, finally, after a week of waiting, weather and sea conditions improved and we could leave for Palmarola to start the eradication of black rats. Landing on Palmarola was not easy because of sea conditions, but once on the ground the group started to work with enthusiasm, also thanks to the beautiful sunny day and to the awareness that the efforts were directed to the conservation of this beautiful island. On the second day a great help arrived from the sky, thanks to the perfect job of the talented helicopter pilot Roberta Santoni (Eliossola company) and to Ponderat technicians on board, allowing us to distribute the baits in the most inaccessible places on the island. On January 25, after three days of intense work under harsh conditions, the first part of the action was completed. We will return to the island several times in the next months to check and replace baits and to monitor the progress of the action.

The days spent in Ponza were also an opportunity to establish good relationships with the residents, to explain what we were doing and why, and to listen to the different opinions of the people, whose support is fundamental for the success of the project.

A final thanks to the team that once again has shown great professionalism and ability to work in all environmental conditions.