The ecological network planning in the inland valleys and coastal plains: the Ofanto river basin in the north area of Puglia (Bari district)

The work is the result of collaboration between ISPRA and the Environmental Agency for the Ofanto river North area of Puglia (Bari district). The document offers an operational approach to the design of an ecological network for a large scale river basin (the Ofanto river basin) with the aim of preserving the ecological connectivity. The ecological network designed refers to the various programming tools that are, or can be found, in a geographical area and takes into account the existing territorial planning.
The analysis is based on a review of the new territorial "frontiers" and new approaches to the definition of regulatory, planning and management models of integrated governance (such as the River contracts). These models have the tool to identify and assess the eco - compatibility of anthropogenic changes in the ecological connectivity and in its effects within wide areas. Subsequently, the ecological network design process and the management process in the north area of Puglia (Bari district) are described, as well as the activities of awareness and dissemination of environmental information.
The proposals and case studies presented in the paper, are relative to inter-regional, regional and subregional planning activities., They are intended to constitute a reference for the expansion of the environmental and ecological network with the purpose) to update the Water Management Plan of Italian South District and to achieve integration and interrelation between the actions of territory protection and preservation.

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