Landscape, environment and sustainability in Italy

This field-based unit is taught in the National Park/World Heritage Area of Cinque Terre on the Italian Riviera. Identified by UNESCO as an environment and cultural landscape worth preserving, the region is under immense pressure due to climate change, rural depopulation, abandoning of agricultural lands, landscape instability, and burgeoning tourism. The unit provides unique opportunities for interaction with staff of the National Park and various local and national authorities through guest lectures. During the time spent on the Cinque Terre you will explore the environment through numerous field trips. Whilst on site, you will complete an independent research project investigating the challenges of sustainable integrating tourism and agricultural objectives, while minimising negative environmental and cultural impacts.