Conserving biological and cultural diversity along the Latin Arc: the role of Protected Areas

The Euro-Mediterranean coastal area is an ‘artificial’ landscape par excellence, having been moulded by thousand-year-old anthropic activities. Here, biodiversity values are largely determined by human actions, so that biological and cultural diversity are inextricably linked. A landscape approach to planning and management of these areas, one that focuses both on natural and cultural aspects of conservation, is therefore necessary. This statement, which could seem quite obvious, has been only recently recognized by the main international policies for Euro-Mediterranean coastal areas, where landscape has until recently played a minor role compared to naturalistic and socio-economic aspects. An example of landscape-oriented strategies aimed at conserving both natural and cultural diversity is represented by the policies developed by some Regional Parks—all classified as ‘Protected Landscapes’ (category V Protected Areas, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature classification system)—situated along the coast of the Latin Arc countries. This paper presents the management experiences developed inside these areas, highlighting their innovative approach to conservation and envisaging the more general role that Protected Areas, and Protected Landscapes in particular, could play in the wider context of the Euro-Mediterranean coastal landscape.