Terrace Abandonment Hazards in a Mediterranean Cultural Landscape

Abandonment of terraced landscapes, particularly in Mediterranean regions like the Amalfi Coast, poses significant environmental risks, including hydrological instability and increased hazards from extreme rainfall events exacerbated by climate change. This study quantifies potential hazards in Crapolla Fiord, identifying that terrace loss has already heightened risks, with further escalation expected due to agricultural abandonment. The research evaluates flow rates and rain intensity at both mountainside and microbasin scales, demonstrating that targeted interventions—such as soil infiltration enhancement or vegetation regeneration—can mitigate these threats. The findings underscore the urgency of supporting measures in active agricultural areas while advocating for small-scale restorative practices in abandoned terraces to preserve cultural landscapes.

Boccia, L., Capolupo, A., Rigillo, M., & Russo, V. (2020). Terrace Abandonment Hazards in a Mediterranean Cultural Landscape. Journal of Hazardous, Toxic, and Radioactive Waste, 24(1). https://doi.org/10.1061/(asce)hz.2153-5515.0000473