The Scenario of the Italian Coastal Area in the Context of the Surrounding Countries

Abstract

Coastal zones have great economic, environmental, social and cultural importance for Europe but, because of their high vulnerability, have always been considered very delicate areas in terms of land planning. In particular, the pressure exerted on the Euro-Mediterranean coastline by heavy tourist traffic and its associated facilities has created various environmental problems, especially in recent years. Without doubt, beach erosion is of particular concern in socio-economic terms: this process involves a specific evolutive phase that is presently taking place along the sandy littoral and influences the natural dynamic. The coastline is the product of a very delicate equilibrium and can be subjected to extensive variations. It is inevitable that the occupation of this very delicate area can bring about an imbalance in which degradation and erosion progressively increase. The fact that erosion has a primary role in the context of social problems is dictated by the notable anthropisation of this area.