The paradoxical need for human intervention in the conservation of natural environments in Venice lagoon

Human intervention is crucial for maintaining the ecological functions and landscape diversity of Venice's lagoon, particularly within its 31 'valli da pesca'—artificial ecosystems designed to mimic transitional aquatic environments. Despite their origins as tools for maximizing provisioning ecosystem services like fishing and hunting, these valli have evolved under diverse management strategies that influence both their ecological outputs and landscape patterns. Research comparing managed and abandoned valli reveals that active management preserves essential ecological gradients and heterogeneity while supporting a balanced flow of provisioning and cultural ecosystem services. Abandoned valli, though more productive per unit area for provisioning services, lose critical ecological functions and landscape complexity. This study underscores the paradoxical need for anthropogenic intervention to sustain the unique ecological and cultural value of these lagoon ecosystems, offering insights for their long-term conservation.

Stocco, A., & Pranovi, F. (2023). The paradoxical need for human intervention in the conservation of natural environments in Venice lagoon. Scientific Reports, 13(1). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-33754-3