River Contracts in Italy. An Experience for River Management

The national and community framework for rivers management plans and experiences outlines the need to adopt a crosssectoral approach. In this context, “river contracts” (RCs) emerge as a way to reconcile local interests and build integrated strategies in order to redevelop and manage the environmental and landscape quality of a river basin. Although there is no Italian law on the method or contents of river contracts, the authors initially highlight the strengths and weaknesses that emerge from an analysis of major national experiences. Given these considerations the article goes on to propose a methodology to elaborate an action plan and strategic territorial scenario based on participation. Using traditional methods and new social networks, the participatory construction of the RCs exploits multiple suggestions by the population to define multi-sector strategies for the Tinella river territory.. Although there is no Italian law on the method or contents of river contracts, the authors initially highlight the strengths and weaknesses that emerge from an analysis of major national experiences. Given these considerations the article goes on to propose a methodology to elaborate an action plan and strategic territorial scenario based on participation. Using traditional methods and new social networks, the participatory construction of the RCs exploits multiple suggestions by the population to define multi-sector strategies for the Tinella river territory..