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Sustainable Management of UNESCO Landscapes to Foster Natural and Cultural Capital

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  • Irene Petrosillo

    (Laboratory of Landscape Ecology, Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies, University of Salento, 73100 Lecce, Italy
    National Biodiversity Future Center, 90133 Palermo, Italy)

  • Erica Maria Lovello

    (Laboratory of Landscape Ecology, Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies, University of Salento, 73100 Lecce, Italy)

  • Luisa Ria

    (Laboratory of Landscape Ecology, Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies, University of Salento, 73100 Lecce, Italy)

  • Patrizia Tartara

    (National Research Council (CNR), Institute of System Analysis and Computer Sciences “Antonio Ruberti”, 00185 Rome, Italy)

  • Donatella Valente

    (Laboratory of Landscape Ecology, Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies, University of Salento, 73100 Lecce, Italy
    National Biodiversity Future Center, 90133 Palermo, Italy)

Abstract

UNESCO landscapes, as socio-ecological systems of high natural and cultural value, must be well managed and protected for future generations. The study area of the present research includes the UNESCO site of the Etruscan necropolis of Cerveteri (Central Italy). The main aims of the study are as follows: (1) to compare landscape dynamics of the study area from 1954 to 2023; (2) to assess the potential positive effects of the recognition of the area as a UNESCO site in terms of mitigating landscape change and fragmentation; (3) to identify potential sustainable conservation actions aimed at promoting the connectivity between the site and its landscape context. There was a change in the land cover in the entire study area from 1954 to 2023, which was 23%, with different dynamics at different times, while fragmentation was evident in the UNESCO buffer. This is particularly a concern because it includes the ancient Etruscan city, and it is not subject to adequate protection measures. Finally, this research identified crucial management strategies, including the expansion of the core area to include the ancient city; the restoration of naturalistic connections (e.g., the ancient path) between the city, necropolis, and natural context; and the reforestation of sensitive archaeological areas to mitigate landscape fragmentation.

Suggested Citation

  • Irene Petrosillo & Erica Maria Lovello & Luisa Ria & Patrizia Tartara & Donatella Valente, 2025. "Sustainable Management of UNESCO Landscapes to Foster Natural and Cultural Capital," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(19), pages 1-17, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:19:p:8895-:d:1766007
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Donatella Valente & Erica Maria Lovello & Cosimo Gaspare Giannuzzi & Angela Maria Scardia Scardia & Maria Victoria Marinelli & Irene Petrosillo, 2023. "Towards Land Consumption Neutrality and Natural Capital Enhancement at Urban Landscape Scale," Land, MDPI, vol. 12(4), pages 1-15, March.
    2. Georgina M Mace, 2019. "The ecology of natural capital accounting," Oxford Review of Economic Policy, Oxford University Press and Oxford Review of Economic Policy Limited, vol. 35(1), pages 54-67.
    3. Nikolaos Sylliris & Apostolos Papagiannakis & Aristotelis Vartholomaios, 2023. "Improving the Climate Resilience of Urban Road Networks: A Simulation of Microclimate and Air Quality Interventions in a Typology of Streets in Thessaloniki Historic Centre," Land, MDPI, vol. 12(2), pages 1-24, February.
    4. František Petrovič & Martin Boltižiar & Iveta Rakytová & Ivana Tomčíková & Eva Pauditšová, 2021. "Long-Term Development Trend of the Historical Cultural Landscape of the UNESCO Monument: Vlkolínec (Slovakia)," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(4), pages 1-19, February.
    5. Erica Maria Lovello & Donatella Valente & Irene Petrosillo, 2025. "Mitigating Land Degradation Through Sustainable Urban Landscapes Planning," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(3), pages 1-18, January.
    6. Cristian Moise & Iulia Dana Negula & Cristina Elena Mihalache & Andi Mihai Lazar & Andreea Luminita Dedulescu & Gabriel Tiberiu Rustoiu & Ioan Constantin Inel & Alexandru Badea, 2021. "Remote Sensing for Cultural Heritage Assessment and Monitoring: The Case Study of Alba Iulia," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(3), pages 1-28, January.
    7. Petrosillo, Irene & Semeraro, Teodoro & Zurlini, Giovanni, 2010. "Detecting the 'conservation effect' on the maintenance of natural capital flow in different natural parks," Ecological Economics, Elsevier, vol. 69(5), pages 1115-1123, March.
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