Landscape and Protected Natural Areas: Laws and Policies in Italy

Abstract

The background regarding landscape and protected natural areas in Italy is characterised by a twofold situation: the first concerns the country’s long and historical tradition of landscape protection, while the second concerns the significance of parks and protected areas as a consequence of their spectacular growth in terms of numbers and surface area. In this regard, regional authorities have played a crucial role in replacing or accelerating government initiatives. The European context provides a framework for understanding the need for cooperation between stakeholders and institutions both in nature conservation and landscape policies, standing in stark contrast to the current institutional framework in Italy, which is unclear in its separation of such competences.