Geoscience Reference
In-Depth Information
and irrigation; (ii) reduced variations in flow
to ensure that minimum acceptable levels are
suitable for fish populations; (iii) increased
benthic macroinvertebrate diversity; (iv) restored
hydromorphological diversity of the river bed
and banks; (v) improved control of nutrients,
pollutants and pathogens entering the river; (vi)
maintaining the conservation status and integrity
of priority Habitats Directive features and other
wildlife interest (Figure 28.5); (vii) improved
buffering capacity and quality of the riparian
habitat and river corridor; and (viii) improved
effectiveness of restoration projects following flow
regulation work. Assessing the sustainability of
current activities and the potential effects of future
plans and projects is also required under Article 6.3
of the Habitats Directive (Council of the European
Communities, 1992).
The monitoring network required for this
evaluation is still at the planning stage, but it has
been recommended that results are presented in a
way easily understood by local communities using
an open-air educational facility, dedicated to the
promotion of sustainable management of the river
and its corridor.
and zoning of activities which protect breeding
and resting habitats for birds such as little egret
(
Egretta garzetta
), wood sandpiper (
Tringa glareola
),
and kingfisher (
Alcedo atthis
). These management
practices should also favour the self-purification
of water and the creation of river channel
habitats suitable for benthic macroinvertebrates
(e.g.
Perlodes
,
Perla
,
Capnia
,
Taeniopterix
) and fish
such as marbled trout. An added advantage of
implementing these measures is that it will reduce
activities that are typical of abandoned landscapes,
such as illegal removal of sand and gravel from
the river, damage caused by lighting fires, and
indiscriminate cutting of shrub vegetation.
The River Adige Environmental Plan 2007
is part of the Town Plan for Verona that is
currently undergoing the approval process. It
has defined specific targets in the Town Plan,
notably those for landscape, environment, open
spaces, sustainable activities, and environmentally
sensitive agriculture associated with the River
Adige corridor. Several recommended actions are
already under way - for example, wetland creation
in the south Park, the renovation of the Lazzaretto
(the ancient cholera hospital), the extension of
riverside walks outside the town, local produce
markets, environmental education initiatives on
the river ecosystem and fluvial landscape, and
stretches of river allocated for canoeing. All these
actions have been taken following stakeholder
involvement. A similar planning approach has
been used for the River Ticino Park (Lombardy,
Northern Italy) and for other smaller watercourses
elsewhere.
The benefits of integrated planning
and management
Implementation of sustainable agricultural
practices with low environmental impact should
help to conserve and enhance the fluvial and rural
landscape, reduce pollutants entering the river and
groundwater and promote the development of the
ecological network of the River Adige. Renovating
buildings of historical interest such as traditional
farm buildings and courtyards, Austrian forts, the
walls of the Scaligers and the old cholera hospital
(Lazzaretto), together with strict application of
planning regulations and the use of sustainable
management objectives, should also favour the
conservation and management of priority wildlife
features in the settlement areas.
A system of designated pathways that safeguards
sensitive riparian and river channel vegetation, the
controlled flooding of wetlands during high river
flows and the careful location of observation sites
should also ensure sustainable land management
Conclusions
An Environmental Landscape Plan based on
several scientific disciplines, and a matrix
approach that identifies management options
and the consequences of activities, can identify
practical sustainable management objectives for
an urban river corridor used for a variety of
activities. Involving stakeholders to gain local
community support and maximize the benefits
for wildlife, historical interests, the local economy
