Pergine Valsugana

The aim of the case study is to analyse the ecological, social and economic dynamics that changed and influenced the present landscape by mapping and valorising the abandoned or not well-governed agro-forestal territories in the municipality. Together with Pergine municipality the project analysed the main problems and issues and the loss of former agricultural areas occurred since 1954 was highlighted. With the help of Pergine’s officers it was decided on a procedure to collect data and map the changes. The open areas invaded by forest were mapped using GIS, orthophotographs (from 1954 to 2015), field work and surveys. In 1954, landscape was more agricultural with lower urbanization level. 49 % of the former 1954 agricultural areas are now covered by urban areas or industrial/agricultural buildings, 43 % remains agriculture and 7 % is now forest.  This means that around 14 % of the present agricultural area is now colonized by forest. The importance of these former agricultural areas is tied to their traditional cultural, social and landscape value (e.g. dry-stone walls) as well as to their role of local biodiversity (e.g. ecological connection of urban with agricultural areas and forest environment). Investigation is planned for to detail the connection among the different landscape patches and their dynamics. A better knowledge of past dynamics together with a in-depth analysis of socio-economic factors are crucial to identify and design future planning strategies and policies to couple local needs with ecological resilience of the territory.  Stakeholders involvement will be crucial to identify areas of particular interest that could be used as example cases to develop specific guidelines that can be used elsewhere.