The geoheritage in the karst landscape of Apulia (Southern Italy). Examples and possibilities in the regional and local planning

With regard to the Apulia region, this paper represents the evolu-tion of the regulations concerning the geological elements of the region with regard to planning on different levels; a general picture is outlined of the geo-resources in the region, and of the way these help structure its landscape, in close interaction both with the biosphere and with the anthroposphere. As study cases, exam-ples of planning in relation to the region’s geo-resources are presented. The first deals with the planning experience for the recovery and fruition of the large Pulo di Molfetta do-line, a major site in terms of geomorphology, botany, prehistory and industrial archaeology; the second is the more recent work for the General Town Planning Scheme (PUG) of the Municipality of Ruvo di Puglia (Bari). In the case studies, in agreement with the laws on the subject, elements are identified within the field of the geoheritage, with the aim of guaranteeing their protection and promotion. These are pilot examples which could prove useful in drawing up guidelines for planning taking into account the physical-geological features of the region