Erosions. Scientific Dossier

The scientific dossier is the result of the selection carried out through a double blind peer review process, from numerous papers proposed. Landscape architects, planners and urbanists, geologists, professors, representatives and activists of environmental associations submitted contributions that address the issue of "Erosions" from different points of view. The result is a rather complex picture that, while denouncing the environmental risks to which the Mediterranean basin is exposed and the poor condition of many Italian coastlines, also delivers exemplary operational possibilities. The following articles deal with adaptation projects in different morphological and territorial conditions, along high and low coasts, rocky or sandy, natural or urbanized. They address the phenomenon as a physical process to be answered through truly mitigative and adaptive innovative technologies, soil and landscape projects that reconcile the land with the sea by indulging the natural dynamics of water. Some of them also address the issue as a social process as perceived by inhabitants, policy makers and stakeholders. The reading of the papers highlights the highly uncertain scenario of our coastal landscapes, due to the negative effects of climate change and human actions that are characterized by fragmented and ineffective governance systems, illegal buildings, and inadequate techniques and technologies used for erosion mitigation. At the same time, they show that physical, social, environmental, and technological solutions are available today and that they can be effective and long-lasting: it is time to become aware of the existing knowledge derived from studies, research, and projects, to work consciously and effectively without postponing answers that are now urgently needed.