Una visione ecologica del territorio

This study stems from the theoretical principle that environment protection and conservation have evolved from a constraint-based approach aimed at designating protected areas, to an ecosystem-based approach intended to protect and preserve biodiversity. The said approach identifies the ecological networks as a possible solution to the need for an ecological-functional connection between natural and semi-natural areas and areas of cultural interest, with the ultimate aim of implementing widespread environment protection “covering” the whole territory. An ecological network can be understood either as a set of natural (or semi-natural) areas interconnected through linear infrastructure or, in a somewhat and detached manner, as relations and connections between actors, even regardless of the location of the linkages, which tend to cancel out any tendency to confine natural areas to numerous little islands each ignoring the other. On one side, the “paradigm of the network” used as an instrument of analysis and economic-functional interpretation of the territory is supported by some literature and an established reference scientific base; on the other, the “ecological network”, that is a system of ecological connectivity throughout the territory, is a relatively more recent interpretation system, which is consolidating its theoretical foundation and trying to find its own role among the territory management tools. In particular, the ecological connections between areas of natural interest represent a strategic hot issue, which has a number of cultural and economic impacts based on the enhancement of natural resources. Over time, however, such an issue has been interpreted in different manners. With respect to these topics, the study we wish to illustrate was carried out under the “Ecological Cross-border Networks Malta-Sicily” R.E.MA.SI. project funded by the Italy-Malta 2007-2013 operational programme, which represents a brick in the construction of the “cross-border network” for the preservation and enhancement of natural areas both as an “intangible network” for the exchange of information and good practices, and as a “tangible network” for the ecological-environmental interconnection of the natural sites in the areas under investigation. In this respect, our research focuses on specific European contexts by adopting an “open” cultural approach aimed at rebalancing the policies in force. As a result, the comparative study on Sicily and Malta is useful not only to point out any unresolved problems, but also to thoroughly investigate and critically analyse the strategies to be implemented. In the framework of the territorial strategy aimed at the ecological-functional connection of natural areas, promoted through the “ecological network”-based model, this study was intended to realize integrated actions and interventions in order to improve and disseminate information about some sites in Sicily and Malta (nature reserves, geosites and Natura 2000 sites). Concerning the general scope of the Italy-Malta Programme, Axis II (Environment, energy and risk prevention), our work contributed to identify, exchange and disseminate - at cross-border level - good practices for an environmentally-friendly management of the territory, with respect to both protected natural areas (Natura 2000 sites, nature reserves, etc.), and un-protected natural areas in two specific territories: the province of Agrigento (Sicily) and Malta . The Maltese Archipelago and Sicily share a number of similarities in terms of environmental features, geographical location (common sea, shared migration routes, morphological-evolutionary similarities, etc.), as well as cultural problems that often prevent the full enhancement of natural resources. To face the said problems, monitoring, protection and enhancement actions must be implemented in a cross-border manner, in order to compare the territories and exchange good practices, which may contribute to improving nature conservation levels, even in neighbouring territorial contexts. The cross-border dimension of the study satisfies the need for tackling the problems associated with landscape transformations, movements of avifauna, conservation of geosites in an integrated manner, so as to exchange information on the protection and development actions to run. We will achieve results applicable to the geographical area of the Strait of Sicily, which could however be replicated in other territories. The study has the added value of being cross-border, which means that the two territories have the chance: to share specialised knowledge and strategic resources for the dissemination and implementation of scientific research and for the management of protected natural areas and relevant sites within the European community; to spur dialogue and exchange of ideas, raise awareness and involve local communities in the enhancement of natural resources; and to define common strategies and establish future collaborations. The study carried out has a twofold general scope: on one side, to investigate and identify the models and ongoing trends of fragmentation; on the other, to interpret the elements upon which territory enhancement and protection projects can be designed. Overall, the research includes the following phases: 1. collecting information and data; 2. examining the exiting documents and identifying the conditions of potential consistency or conflict in the territories (territorial fragmentation); 3. checking the conditions of consistency and conflict, through onsite inspections and by questioning local operators; 4. determining the spatial components that define the conditions of ecological-functional connectivity of the territory. To deal with the various topics under study, we looked at the territory on one side, while also taking into account the regulations and planning tools existing in the field of environment protection and territory management. With respect to this reference framework, we identified the elements of consistency and the criticalities, taking into consideration both natural and anthropic factors of the territorial heritage, in Sicily and in Malta. For the interpretation of the fragmentation factors of the territory – aimed at identifying a potential cross-border ecological network – we used the QGis Desktop software, to digitally manage the data gathered during the first phase of the project. This approach led to the development of a Territorial Information System, which let us easily manage the multidisciplinary analyses carried out and became the base for the subsequent interpretation and proactive phase of this work. The map we have been working on, is the result of an Overlay Mapping, that is overlapping thematic maps of previously carried out analyses, in which every single feature (cartographic territorial object) is associated with an informative record; the data in the record can be queried. In the first place, the Overlay Mapping model made it possible to assess and draft general maps of factors having an impact, which define the spatial distribution and the magnitude levels of the impacts; secondly, it allowed us to verify whether the proposed ecological connections were compatible with the state of conservation of the resources, their sensitivity, the current uses and the potential ones. During the first interpretation phase, we assessed and determined the criteria to be used to identify and classify the factors of fragmentation and territorial conflict. In this case, the map represented the main systems the territory is made of: infrastructure system, settlements, the system of natural areas and areas of natural and cultural interest, as well as the natural and administrative elements that border the territory. Once the mapping for the interpretation phase was completed, we started to detect the fragmentation factors, according to the criteria previously set, and we made onsite inspections to check the results of the interpretation phase. Afterwards, we identified potential connections. Using the initial data and the ones interpreted during the first phase, we classified the main areas according to naturalness levels; by querying the TIS, we identified potential connections and the areas needing more or less prompt interventions. For further details on the analytical results, refer to the chapter written by Giampino, Lotta, Scaduto and Todaro. The impact of the study on the involved territories should be taken into account. Indeed, due to its own aim of interpreting the links between various issues, this work allows to single out the ecological-environmental components that can influence the territorial development guidelines, while respecting the peculiarities of each territory. Although the connections sound sectorial themes, they actually represent a binding element for territory management and establish a system-based vision. In our specific case study, the high level of vulnerability detected and, by contrast, the properties of a few ecological-environmental factors can outline the goals to be achieved in planning, and most of all in territory management. Based on this work, we can define the “rules” of territorial transformations, by identifying the elements of a high ecological-environmental value system capable of advancing solutions to solve the decay caused by modern economy.