To what extent is integration pursued in compulsory planning tools concerning coastal and marine areas? Evidences from two Mediterranean protected areas

Abstract

Coastal areas are worldwide characterized by multiple pressures generated by high levels of urbanization and by conflictual and inappropriate uses. The establishment of protected areas represents a tool to contrast such pressures. The integration between planning tools represents a key issue, in particular in the Mediterranean area; hence, it has been addressed by both legally binding acts and voluntary agreements and charters concerning coastal zone management as well as marine spatial planning. By looking at two Italian case studies and analyzing their planning documents currently in force, our study aims at assessing the level of integration in relation to planning and management of areas characterized by the coexistence of various nature protection regimes. Our analysis shows that, although integration seems to be a key point in the planning agenda and in spite of some improvements, an integrated management approach in Mediterranean coastal and marine areas is still in its infancy. The results of the analysis show that, rather than contributing to building an integrated approach to marine and coastal zone management, each planning tool focuses on complying with its sectoral, normative framework. This situation can partly be attributed to the multilayered, and complex, Italian framework, characterized by several categories of protected areas with their own legal act and objectives.