Cultural landscape planning against terrace abandonment. An application to the UNESCO Word Heritage Site of Portovenere, Cinque Terre, and the Islands

This study investigates regeneration of cultural landscape within the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Portovenere, Cinque Terre, and the Islands, and in particular it studies the progressive abandonment and potential recovery of terraced fields. Integrating advanced GIS mapping techniques with extensive field surveys and historical data analysis, the research assesses both the cultural and environmental implications of terrace degradation. The study begins by establishing a comprehensive theoretical framework that contextualizes terrace abandonment within broader socio-economic and climatic shifts. Detailed spatial analyses are conducted to compare current land use with historical patterns, revealing significant trends in agricultural decline and urban encroachment. Statistical evaluations are employed to quantify the extent of abandonment and to identify key territorial factors influencing terrace stability, such as slope gradient, orientation, and proximity to residential areas and infrastructural networks. The synthesis of these findings informs the development of restoration scenarios, designed to enhance landscape resilience while preserving cultural heritage. This research provides a critical evidence base for policymakers and local stakeholders, offering practical recommendations for adaptive management and strategic intervention. Ultimately, the study demonstrates that targeted regeneration, supported by robust spatial analysis, can significantly mitigate the adverse effects of terrace abandonment and contribute to the sustainable preservation and resilience enhancement of this unique cultural landscape.