PROTECTED AREAS

Academic Year 2025/2026 - Teacher: GIORGIO SABELLA

Expected Learning Outcomes

Acquisition of a sound knowledge of European, national, and regional legislation and the system of European, national, and regional protected areas, with particular reference to the Natura 2000 ecological network.

Application of theoretical and methodological knowledge useful for assessing potential levels and sustainability criteria in the context of the protection and management of natural areas in their complex and integrated aspects.

Ability to critically evaluate and qualify acquired information, formulate flexible judgments and decisions under conditions of uncertainty and limited information, and develop and present predictive models on the impact of decisions made.

Ability to communicate decisions, orally or in writing and using multimedia, clarifying the relationships between objectives, constraints, and stakeholders involved in implementation, interacting with related or different professionals.

Development of learning skills that allow for continued self-directed or autonomous learning.

Course Structure

Lectures (35 hours) and practical exercises in the field (12 hours). If the teaching will give in a mixed or remote way, the necessary changes with respect to what was previously stated may be introduced, in order to respect the program envisaged and reported in the Syllabus.

The main teaching methods that will be adopted include lectures, practical exercises, and seminars. The lectures will provide a solid theoretical foundation on the fundamental concepts of the course, while the practical exercises will allow students to apply this knowledge through the observation of biological samples and the analysis of ecological data. Seminars, led by external experts, will offer opportunities for in-depth study on specific topics, ensuring comprehensive and integrated learning between theory and practice.

 

Information for students with disabilities and/or learning disorders.

As a guarantee of equal opportunities and in compliance with current regulations, students can ask for a personal interview in order to plan any compensatory and/or dispensatory measures, based on their specific needs and on learning objectives of the discipline. It is also possible to refer to the departmental contacts of CInAP (Center for Active and Participatory Inclusion - Services for Disabilities and/or learning disorders).

The knowledge acquired will be functional to understanding the need to adopt sustainable consumption and production models and to preserve natural areas and their biodiversity in accordance with objectives 12 and 15 of the 2030 Agenda.

Required Prerequisites

No prerequisites required

Attendance of Lessons

Attendance is required.

Detailed Course Content

The italian protected areas (Parks, Reserves, Ramsar wetlands, SCI, ZSC, SPA, IBA, etc.); International conventions, EU directives, national and regional legislation; territorial plans and management plans; relations with land use planning (PRG, landscape’s plans, etc.); problems and perspectives.

Textbook Information

- Parchi e aree protette in Italia - Accademia Nazionale dei Lincei, Roma.
- AA.VV., 2003 Il sistema delle aree protette in Italia – T.C.I., Milano.
- Massa R., Ingegnoli V., 1999 – Biodiversità, Estinzione, conservazione. UTET, Torino.
- Lecture notes

Course Planning

 SubjectsText References
1International ConvenctionLectures Notes
2EU directives, national and regional legislation regionaleLectures Notes
3Relations with territorial planning (PRG, landscape plans, etc.)Lectures Notes
4Territorial plans and management plansMassa R., Ingegnoli V., 1999 - Biodiversità, Estinzione, conservazione. UTET, Torino. Lectures Notes
5Problems and prospectsLectures Notes

Learning Assessment

Learning Assessment Procedures

Oral test based on the elaboration of a power point on the topics covered. The verification of learning can also be carried out electronically, should the conditions require it.

The vote follows the following scheme:

Negative:

Knowledge and understanding of the topic: Important shortcomings. Significant inaccuracies

Ability to analyze and synthesize: Irrelevant. Frequent generalizations. Inability to synthesize

Use of references: Completely inappropriate

18-20

Knowledge and understanding of the topic: At the threshold level. Obvious imperfections

Analysis and synthesis skills: Just enough skills

Use of references: just appropriate

21-23

Knowledge and understanding of the topic: Routine knowledge

Ability to analyze and synthesize: ability of correct analysis and synthesis. Argue logically and consistently

Using references: Use standard references

24-26

Knowledge and understanding of the topic: Good knowledge

Analysis and synthesis skills: good analysis and synthesis skills. The arguments are expressed consistently

Using references: Use of standard references

27-29

Knowledge and understanding of the topic: Knowledge more than good

Ability to analyze and synthesize: considerable abilities of analysis and synthesis

Use of references: the topic has been explored in depth

30-30 e lode

Knowledge and understanding of the topic: Excellent knowledge

Ability to analyze and synthesize: excellent abilities of analysis and synthesis.

Use of references: Important insights.

Examples of frequently asked questions and / or exercises

1) Regional legislation in force regarding the establishment and management of protected areas 


2) National legislation in force regarding the establishment and management of protected areas 

3) Reading a standard form of a Natura 2000 site 

4) SAC and SPA 

5) Usage plans 

6) Natura 2000 site management plans 

7) Territorial plans

VERSIONE IN ITALIANO