Terraced Landscapes and Hydrogeological Risk. Effects of Land Abandonment in Cinque Terre (Italy) during Severe Rainfall Events

Abandoned terraced landscapes significantly increase hydrogeological risks, such as landslides and mud flows, during severe rainfall events. This was demonstrated by the extreme damage observed in Monterosso and Vernazza basins of Cinque Terre, Italy, following a 2011 storm. The study highlights that the cessation of maintenance of dry stone terraces—due to the decline of traditional agriculture—was the primary factor contributing to landscape failure. While literature suggests varying effects of vegetation on abandoned terraces, this research compares these findings to propose effective management strategies for preserving cultural heritage and mitigating risks in fragile territories like UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Agnoletti, M., Errico, A., Santoro, A., Dani, A., & Preti, F. (2019). Terraced Landscapes and Hydrogeological Risk. Effects of Land Abandonment in Cinque Terre (Italy) during Severe Rainfall Events. Sustainability, 11(1), 235. https://doi.org/10.3390/su11010235