Following Water at the Mantua and Sabbioneta World Heritage Site

Integrating water and heritage management at UNESCO World Heritage Sites offers a transformative opportunity for sustainable development, as demonstrated by the case of Mantua and Sabbioneta in Northern Italy. This study reveals that embedding water-heritage relationships can effectively align with multiple Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), while also addressing goals related to education, consumption, biodiversity, and partnerships. The research highlights how innovative heritage projects that engage local communities and challenge traditional institutions can foster sustainable interactions between water management and cultural preservation. By examining the historical and contemporary significance of water in these Renaissance cities, the study underscores its potential as a catalyst for both heritage conservation and broader societal benefits.

Gioia, M. E. (2022). Following Water at the Mantua and Sabbioneta World Heritage Site. Blue Papers, 1(2), 111–121. https://doi.org/10.58981/bluepapers.2022.2.11