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THE WATERFRONT MANAGEMENT AND GI This working group will develop a specific issue of great interest in ICM. Waterfronts are often subject to high human pressure and support a multitude of uses. A lot of coastal towns developed in a strict interdependence with the sea and their waterfronts are the evidence of their evolution. Other coastal areas, as a consequence of a recent growth, are trying now to ensure a harmonic development of this strip of land and sea. Natural features, economical, social, political, cultural and esthetical issues are concentrated in these areas and are self evident in a very "dense" landscape. Indeed waterfronts are "dynamic" areas, subject to continue changes due either to local or to global causes. It is important to remark that the waterfront will be considered its most comprehensive definition, from architectonic projects on specific areas to comprehensive planning interventions that are expected to lead to deep changes also in the organisation and in the socio-economic structure of the surroundings. Recent needs and trends, such as the decline of some type of industry, the changes in the transportation and infrastructures systems, the development of tourism, but also the consequence of the climate change and the demand to reduce pollution, requires strong intervention in these important areas. As a consequence, their management need to be able to adapt to their development. This situation is particularly evident in many European countries, where many different uses co-exist in the coastal area creating an extended and complex waterfront. In this field, the relevant role of GIS in managing the inputs provided by so many different actors, their capability to elaborate adjustments of the programme and of scenarios, according to the evolution of the situation will be emphasised. Chairman: Related events: |