Publications
Long-term adaptation pathways for Venice and its lagoon under sea-level rise
Under current greenhouse gas mitigation policies, Venice and its lagoon are likely to face hard limits within the 21st century due to sea-level rise (SLR). The study maps long-term adaptation pathways, revealing that the current strategy of mobile barriers and accommodation measures will become unsustainable. Alternative strategies, such as ring-dikes or permanent coastal dams, could preserve different combinations of environmental, heritage, and socio-cultural values but entail significant ecological and social transitions. Under extreme SLR scenarios, including potential Antarctic ice-sheet collapse, relocation of monuments or abandonment may become unavoidable by the 22nd century. Rapid mitigation could still prevent these drastic outcomes.
The Venice Charter sixty years on: legacy, relevance and new heritage challenges
The Venice Charter, adopted by ICOMOS in 1964, remains a cornerstone in heritage conservation despite the emergence of new challenges such as mass tourism, digital transformation, and shifting cultural dynamics. While its principles continue to guide global heritage safeguarding efforts, contemporary pressures question its adequacy in addressing modern dilemmas. This special issue of Conservar Património critically examines the Charter's legacy, proposing reforms to align it with 21st-century demands, including a focus on human and non-human wellbeing, urban cultural values, and co-production of knowledge between stakeholders. Contributions explore innovative frameworks for heritage management, such as integrating Vitruvian criteria into religious monument preservation, signaling potential paradigm shifts in European heritage conservation.
La gestione di Venezia come sito UNESCO
Overtourism poses a structural threat to UNESCO World Heritage Sites, as demonstrated by the case of Venice and its Lagoon. The study reveals that international recognition, while intended to protect cultural heritage, can paradoxically increase vulnerability due to overcrowding, infrastructure strain, and loss of authenticity. Analyzing management dynamics from 1966 to 2023, this research highlights a disconnect between conservation goals and governance practices, driven by competing public and private interests. The findings underscore the fragility of the UNESCO system when faced with pressures that prioritize exploitation over heritage preservation.
Multi-Temporal Relative Sea Level Rise Scenarios up to 2150 for the Venice Lagoon (Italy)
By 2150, the Venice Lagoon could face severe flooding under high-emission scenarios, with up to 65% of its land area at risk. This study projects relative sea level rise (RSLR) using geodetic data and climate models from the IPCC's Sixth Assessment Report, revealing that extreme water levels could temporarily reach 3.47 meters above current levels. The research integrates GNSS and InSAR data to analyze vertical land movements (VLM), showing rates of 1–3 mm/year with peaks up to 7 mm/year, which significantly influence RSLR across the lagoon. Projections indicate that over 112 km² could be flooded under a low-emission scenario, while a high-emission scenario risks 139 km². These findings challenge the long-term viability of the MoSE barrier system, designed to protect against tides and storm surges up to 3 meters, which may be submerged by 2100. The study underscores the urgent need for enhanced flood resilience strategies to safeguard Venice and its unique lagoon ecosystem.
Operational and Structural Solutions for a Sustainable Navigation in the Malamocco – Marghera Channel (Venice Lagoon)
A groundbreaking study has identified sustainable solutions to increase the navigational capacity of the Malamocco-Marghera Channel, a critical route in Venice Lagoon, while addressing erosion risks to surrounding tidal flats. The research, part of the CEF European-funded project 'Channeling the Green Deal for Venice,' combines advanced navigation and hydrodynamic/sediment transport models to ensure safe, environmentally friendly access to the port of Venice, respecting its UNESCO World Heritage status. This interdisciplinary approach, led by a consortium including DHI S.r.l., marks the first time such models have been integrated in real-time to optimize morphological and operational solutions for the lagoon.
The Anthropocene Waterscapes of Venice
Venice, Italy's iconic water city, serves as a paradigm for understanding the Anthropocene epoch, where human impact on Earth systems rivals natural forces. This interdisciplinary handbook examines the historical, political, and epistemological dimensions of this transformation, focusing on Venice's cultural-natural ecology. It integrates environmental humanities research, particularly hydrosociology, supported by UNESCO initiatives. The work explores the evolution of human-nature relationships from antiquity to modernity, comparing Venice with other water cities like Tenochtitlán and Bangkok. Key themes include the social underpinnings of science, eco-artistic movements, resistance to resource extractivism, and the fight for nature's rights against ecocide. Through comparative perspectives, it offers a nuanced view of humanity's ongoing geoanthropological influence on aquatic environments.
The Venice and its Lagoon UNESCO site (Italy): Cultural Heritage and Climate Change
Climate change poses significant risks to Venice's UNESCO-listed cultural heritage, with gradual shifts in temperature, precipitation, and humidity, as well as extreme events like floods and droughts, threatening the integrity of monumental structures. Research integrating studies from Iuav University of Venice, CORILA Venezia2021, and the Venice Climate Change Adaptation Plan identified critical vulnerabilities across macro morphological categories, including potential impacts from the MOSE flood barrier system. Analytical campaigns involving multiple laboratories developed targeted mitigation strategies to enhance resilience while ensuring material and formal compatibility with historic lagoon architecture. These actions aim to balance effectiveness with preservation, safeguarding Venice's unique cultural landscape against climate-induced damage.
The Wetland Contract as a Governance Tool to Manage Conflicts in the Venetian Lagoon
A novel governance approach, the Wetland Contract for the Northern Lagoon of Venice, demonstrates potential as a tool to reconcile competing priorities of socioeconomic development and biodiversity conservation. This participatory initiative brings together diverse stakeholders to commit to coordinated management, restoration, and protection of wetlands, addressing the complex challenges posed by climate change in this vulnerable UNESCO World Heritage Site. The contract serves as a living laboratory for testing innovative strategies that balance human needs with ecological preservation.
Assessing Microplastics and Nanoparticles in the Surface Seawater of Venice Lagoon—Part I: Methodology of Research
A novel methodology for detecting and measuring microplastics (MPs) and nanoparticles (NPs) in surface seawater was developed and applied to samples from Venice Lagoon, revealing significant pollution levels. The study identified MPs through optical microscopy, categorizing them by color, shape, and size classes down to 32 μm—critical sizes for marine organisms. Nanoparticle concentrations were estimated using Nanoparticle Tracking Analysis, while a protocol minimizing non-plastic interference was proposed. Sampling focused on high-traffic areas like the Venice-Lido Port Inlet and Grand Canal under Rialto Bridge, highlighting potential environmental risks. This research, part of the H2020 In-No-Plastic project, underscores the need for coordinated mitigation strategies to address marine plastic pollution in UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Assessing the impact of the invasive ctenophore Mnemiopsis leidyi on artisanal fisheries in the Venice Lagoon: an interdisciplinary approach
Massive blooms of the invasive ctenophore Mnemiopsis leidyi (sea walnut) in Venice Lagoon have significantly disrupted artisanal fisheries, marking one of the first documented socioeconomic impacts of this species in the Mediterranean. Research combining fishers’ local knowledge, long-term landing data, and field sampling revealed that landings declined sharply during blooms, coinciding with rising water temperatures. The study also identified mechanical obstruction of fishing nets by ctenophores as a critical operational barrier. This interdisciplinary approach provides foundational evidence for short- and long-term ecological and socioeconomic consequences, offering actionable insights to inform mitigation strategies for vulnerable lagoon ecosystems.
Boon and burden: economic performance and future perspectives of the Venice flood protection system
A cost-benefit analysis reveals that the economic benefits of Venice's MoSE flood protection system significantly outweigh its operational costs, even under projected sea-level rise scenarios. However, increasing barrier closures due to rising water levels threaten the long-term viability of the infrastructure and may adversely affect the lagoon's ecosystem. The study suggests raising the official closure threshold from 110 cm and integrating additional safeguarding measures, such as sewer system improvements, to mitigate these risks. Researchers used a system dynamics model to simulate impacts on economic and residential activities in Venice and its port until 2100, considering two sea-level rise scenarios.
Contaminants of emerging concern in water and sediment of the Venice Lagoon, Italy
A first-of-its-kind study reveals widespread contamination of the Venice Lagoon by 20 emerging contaminants, including neonicotinoid insecticides (detected in 73–92% of water samples), UV filters, and pharmaceuticals like diclofenac. Sediment analysis highlighted persistent antioxidants and antibiotics, suggesting tributary rivers and treated wastewater as key emission sources. While no clear seasonal or spatial trends emerged, the findings underscore the need for targeted monitoring to prioritize contaminants and refine future conservation strategies for this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
From ‘Objects’ to ‘Sustainable Development’: The Evolution of Architectural Heritage Conservation in Theory and Practice
Architectural heritage conservation has shifted from a static, expert-driven approach focused on preserving the authenticity of individual monuments to a dynamic, multi-stakeholder process that integrates sustainable development. This evolution reflects changing socio-economic and environmental demands, recognizing heritage buildings' potential to enhance community resilience, decarbonization, and climate change awareness. The study analyzes conservation theories from five theorists and 23 charters, including the Venice Charter, tracing its transformation over the last century. It identifies four key phases in conservation philosophy: expert-led preservation of authenticity, protection of associated values with local consultation, democratic community engagement, and integration with sustainable development through multi-stakeholder collaboration.
Global Venice
Venice faces profound challenges due to globalization, particularly the dominance of mass tourism, which has transformed its economy into a 'tourism monoculture' and accelerated the conversion of residential spaces into short-term rentals. This shift, exacerbated by Venice's UNESCO World Heritage status, has deepened societal divisions, fostering localist reactions marked by xenophobia and racism against immigrants while widening the gap between the city and mainland. The study highlights the uncertain future of Venice amid rising sea levels, revealing a complex interplay between global pressures and localized responses that threaten its cultural and environmental integrity.
Mind the diversity: defining intervention concepts of built heritage in international doctrinal documents
International doctrinal documents on built heritage, such as those from UNESCO and ICOMOS, often define 'conservation' as an umbrella term encompassing other interventions, while 'preservation' is treated as a distinct concept aimed at maintaining the integrity of heritage sites. However, the study reveals that terms like 'repair,' 'restoration,' and 'reconstruction' are inconsistently defined, leading to divergent interpretations. Additionally, the expanding notion of 'use' in built heritage has introduced complexities, with terms like 'adaptation,' 'adaptive reuse,' and 'rehabilitation' being used interchangeably, blurring their definitions. This research systematically analyzes nine key doctrinal documents to clarify these intervention concepts, their relationships, and trends, advancing understanding in this field.
Multisensorial hydrography with Venetian depictions from 1880 to 1895
A novel approach to analyzing water in art, termed 'multisensorial hydrography,' reveals how 19th-century Venetian depictions by renowned and underappreciated French and Italian painters capture the lagoon's ecological and sensory complexity. This method, applied to four paintings from 1880 to 1895, offers a liquid attentiveness that bridges historical and contemporary understandings of Venice's artificiality and aquatic mobilities within the Mediterranean context. The study highlights the significance of Venice as a UNESCO World Heritage Site while engaging with global sustainability goals related to clean water and marine ecosystems.
Semantics-enriched spatiotemporal mapping of public risk perceptions for cultural heritage during radical events
A study reveals distinct spatiotemporal patterns of public risk perceptions on social media during Heritage-Related Events (HREs), using the 2019 Notre Dame fire and Venice flood as case studies. Analysis of Twitter data shows heightened online activity and emotional responses before, during, and after these events, with machine learning models identifying dominant topics and sentiments. The research highlights how public reactions vary based on event severity, offering insights for urban risk reduction and heritage management. This methodological framework also advances Geo-AI applications in spatiotemporal clustering.
Successes and failures
Heritage preservation, a global effort spanning two centuries, has achieved significant successes through international cooperation and policy integration. The World Heritage Convention, a key UNESCO initiative, has revitalized historic urban centers like Venice, Fès, and Havana by setting global policy frameworks and promoting good conservation practices. However, heritage faces growing threats from overtourism, unsustainable development, climate change, and politicization of historical narratives. These challenges highlight the need for balanced approaches to protect both cultural and natural heritage while addressing power imbalances and diverse historical perspectives.
The Stones of Venice
John Ruskin's seminal work, The Stones of Venice, offers a profound analysis of Venetian architecture through its three distinct historical periods: Byzantine, Gothic, and Renaissance. The study reveals how architectural elements—such as walls, arches, and buttresses—evolved in response to both aesthetic and structural demands. Ruskin dissects the material and ornamental treatment of buildings, from the intricate mosaics of St. Mark's Basilica to the grandeur of the Ducal Palace, illustrating the transition from Byzantine opulence to Gothic verticality and Renaissance symmetry. His approach combines meticulous observation with historical context, providing a foundational framework for understanding Venice’s architectural heritage as both an artistic achievement and a reflection of its cultural evolution.
The Venice Charter in the age of climate change
The Venice Charter, a foundational document for heritage conservation established in the 1960s, faces significant challenges in its applicability under modern climatic conditions. This study re-evaluates the Charter's principles and suggests adaptations to ensure its relevance in the 21st century. By contextualizing the Charter within historical and contemporary discourses on built heritage, the research highlights the need for updated guidelines that account for climate change impacts. The approach involves a reflective analysis of the Charter's original intent and its potential limitations in today's rapidly changing environment.
Venice
Venice stands as a testament to human adaptation and resilience against environmental challenges. This comprehensive study reveals how the city has evolved from its origins to the present, responding to geographic constraints, industrialization, and mass tourism while maintaining its unique cultural identity. The research highlights Venice's dramatic urban transformations, its shifting political roles—from a powerful city-state to an overseas empire—and its enduring impact on art, architecture, and music. By examining the lives of its diverse inhabitants, from nobles to commoners, Christians to Jews, the study offers a multifaceted perspective on how Venice has shaped and been shaped by its environment, providing critical insights into its vulnerability and future in the face of rising sea levels.
An Archipelago of Ecological Care Venice, its Lagoon and Contemporary Art
Venice and its lagoon exemplify local sustainability practices that can inspire global change, even amid climate uncertainty. The study highlights how small island communities, including Venice's inhabitants, blend vernacular knowledge with activism to foster ecological awareness. Through case studies of contemporary art projects—such as lagoon walks—the research demonstrates how art can drive 'curatorial activism,' protecting both human rights and the rights of nature. This approach encourages critical thinking, emotional engagement, and ethical responsibility, offering a model for collective action in the face of environmental crises.
Collective water transport electrification: Venetian ferry boat case study
A transition to electric propulsion for Venetian ferry boats could significantly decarbonize water transport in Venice, preserving air quality and the integrity of its UNESCO-listed monuments. This study identifies the optimal electric motor, battery pack, and charging system for such a shift, while also evaluating potential impacts on service delivery. By replacing thermal propulsion with low-emission electric alternatives, this approach offers a viable path to reduce environmental impact in one of Europe's most vulnerable urban ecosystems.
From Venice (Italy) to Jeonju (Korea): the art of gondola making, intangible cultural heritage
A prestigious recognition from South Korea highlights the enduring significance of gondola making as Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH). The Jeonju Government's JIAPICH award, awarded to Venice's ElFelze Association, underscores the global value of this ancient craftsmanship. This study explores the Korean system for preserving ICH, particularly focusing on 'living human treasures' and relevant legislation, offering a unique perspective on safeguarding traditional craftsmen and their daily practices. It reveals how international collaboration can foster the preservation and promotion of cultural heritage, demonstrating the resilience and quality of gondola making in Venice.
Geotechnics of Venice and Its Lagoon
Venice faces significant threats from tidal flooding due to the narrowing gap between land and sea levels, exacerbated by climate change-induced sea-level rise and subsidence. The historic city's preservation demands innovative geotechnical solutions, such as tilting gate foundations and drainage system improvements, particularly in vulnerable areas like Piazza San Marco. This work delves into the complex hydro-mechanical behavior of Venice's sensitive silts, offering a comprehensive analysis of environmental challenges and mitigation strategies essential for safeguarding this cultural heritage.
Insights on the Extreme Storm Surge Event of the 22 November 2022 in the Venice Lagoon
An extreme storm surge event on November 22, 2022, in the Venice Lagoon would have resulted in unprecedented flooding, with sea levels exceeding 200 cm above the reference datum at Chioggia if not for the intervention of the Mo.S.E. system—a set of artificial barriers designed to protect the lagoon from extreme high tides. This study highlights the critical role of advanced monitoring systems, such as those managed by ISPRA, in predicting and mitigating storm surges. Using hydrodynamic models forced with extensive observed data, researchers analyzed a hypothetical scenario where the Mo.S.E. system was not operational, demonstrating its effectiveness in preventing catastrophic flooding. The findings underscore the importance of coastal flood prevention measures, particularly in the context of rising sea levels, and emphasize the functionality and utility of real-time monitoring systems for managing such risks.
Is the future given? Cumulative impact of Climate change and MOSE closures on Venice and its lagoon.
A systematic analysis reveals that the MOSE flood barrier system, while effective at mitigating sea level rise impacts on Venice, significantly increases lagoon water renewal time and exacerbates temperature-related stresses under high-emission scenarios. Projections indicate that by 2100, under the RCP8.5 scenario, the lagoon could remain closed for about 260 days a year, with water temperatures exceeding 30°C for over four months, and more than 35% of the lagoon experiencing delayed water renewal beyond 20 days. However, these impacts are substantially less severe under the RCP4.5 scenario, highlighting the potential for combined global mitigation and local adaptation strategies to protect both Venice and its lagoon ecosystem. The study underscores the critical need for site-specific, carefully planned adaptation measures to safeguard this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Local People's Participation in Cultural Heritage Conservation and Management
Public participation is increasingly recognized as essential for sustainable cultural heritage conservation, particularly in UNESCO World Heritage Sites. A key insight from recent research is that effective engagement of local communities can enhance the value and preservation of heritage while addressing challenges in management and tourism. This study synthesizes international charters and documents, such as the Venice Charter and the Faro Convention, to highlight how participatory approaches shift focus from mere conservation to the societal benefits of heritage. It also integrates Human-Computer Interaction methodologies to propose innovative, people-centered strategies for heritage management. These findings underscore the need for inclusive practices that empower local stakeholders in decision-making processes.
Nonlinear Autoregressive Exogenous (NARX) Neural Network Models for Storm Tide Forecasting in the Venice Lagoon
A breakthrough in storm tide prediction for Venice and its lagoon has been achieved using Nonlinear Autoregressive Exogenous (NARX) neural network models. This advanced approach significantly enhances the accuracy of forecasting extreme high tides, which pose a persistent threat to this UNESCO World Heritage Site due to astronomical, meteorological, and basin-specific factors. The model's reliability makes it a valuable tool for managing the MOSE flood defense system, offering proactive protection against the damaging effects of storm surges that have historically plagued Venice. By leveraging neural network techniques, researchers have developed a robust framework capable of capturing the complex dynamics influencing tide levels, thereby improving preparedness and mitigating risks to this culturally significant urban landscape.
Roman ‘Well-cisterns’, Navigational Routes, and Landscape Modifications in the Venice Lagoon and Northeastern Adriatic
Underwater investigations in the Venice Lagoon have uncovered a partially preserved Roman 'well-cistern,' providing new evidence of ancient maritime infrastructure. This structure, similar to another better-preserved example found in the same region, was likely used to supply ships with fresh water along the North Adriatic littoral. Analysis of mortar, depth relative to sea level, and the absence of foundation poles in underlying soft mud supported this interpretation. The study also suggests that such structures were repurposed during the Middle Ages for residential use in Venice's islands, becoming a hallmark of its small squares (campi). By comparing these findings with other poorly studied Roman buildings, researchers offer insights into ancient navigational routes and landscape modifications in the region.
Screening the stones of Venice: Mapping social perceptions of cultural significance through graph-based semi-supervised classification
A novel approach using graph-based semi-supervised learning with graph neural networks (GNN) successfully mapped social perceptions of cultural significance across Venice. The method integrated multi-modal data—including visual and textual content from social media—and contextual connections such as spatial, temporal, and social factors into an attributed multi-graph structure. By training multiple GNN models as an ensemble, the study achieved high confidence in classifying cultural significance categories, which were then spatially mapped using message diffusion techniques on graphs. This framework not only provides a socially inclusive tool for heritage management but also demonstrates potential for broader applications in urban analysis, such as measuring safety, vitality, or popularity of spaces.
Sustainability threshold for multiple ecosystem services in the Venice lagoon, Italy
Approximately 53% of the Venice lagoon's surface is exploited beyond a proposed 'sustainability threshold,' indicating unsustainable conditions that threaten its capacity to provide ecosystem services. This finding highlights the need for intervention to alter patterns of ecosystem service (ES) use and promote long-term sustainability. The study introduces a novel approach to analyze ES bundles, determining their degree of sustainability based on balances between ES capacity and flow, as well as between regulating ES and those mediated by human activities. Using multivariate analysis on spatially explicit ES maps, the research derives a zonation reflecting different ES bundles, offering potential directions for more sustainable management of this critical social-ecological system.
The Impact of Nanoparticles Implementation on Conservation of Heritage Buildings (Overview the Nanocathedral Project)
Nanotechnology offers promising solutions for the conservation of heritage buildings, as demonstrated by the Nanocathedral Project. The study developed nanomaterials tailored to different stone types—such as limestones, sandstones, and marbles—used in five medieval cathedrals and a contemporary opera theater across Western Europe. These materials were designed to address specific preservation challenges while maintaining the originality of building materials. By analyzing porosity, mineralogical composition, and chemical characteristics, researchers created effective consolidants that extend the lifespan of heritage structures under diverse environmental conditions. The project aligns with the Venice Charter's emphasis on using advanced scientific methods for monument conservation.
The paradoxical need for human intervention in the conservation of natural environments in Venice lagoon
Human intervention is crucial for maintaining the ecological functions and landscape diversity of Venice's lagoon, particularly within its 31 'valli da pesca'—artificial ecosystems designed to mimic transitional aquatic environments. Despite their origins as tools for maximizing provisioning ecosystem services like fishing and hunting, these valli have evolved under diverse management strategies that influence both their ecological outputs and landscape patterns. Research comparing managed and abandoned valli reveals that active management preserves essential ecological gradients and heterogeneity while supporting a balanced flow of provisioning and cultural ecosystem services. Abandoned valli, though more productive per unit area for provisioning services, lose critical ecological functions and landscape complexity. This study underscores the paradoxical need for anthropogenic intervention to sustain the unique ecological and cultural value of these lagoon ecosystems, offering insights for their long-term conservation.
We Made It in Venice! But Then …? Reversing Notions of Center and Periphery
This study critically examines the evolving role of the Venice Biennale as a global art institution, questioning its traditional dominance and commercialization. It highlights how the 59th Biennale, under artistic director Cecilia Alemani's theme 'The Milk of Dreams,' challenged Eurocentric narratives by centering marginalized voices, particularly those of African artists and women. The research explores the impact of gallery-driven commercialism on artistic recognition, contrasting it with efforts towards decolonization and cultural restitution, exemplified by Benin's recent strides in art politics. It argues for a re-evaluation of the Biennale's significance as an 'obligatory passage point' for international success, advocating for more inclusive, locally driven cultural initiatives.
Cultural Encounter, Race, and a Humanist Ideology of Empire in the Art of Trecento Venice
This study reveals that the art of Trecento Venice, particularly in official settings like San Marco and the Palazzo Ducale, employed visual techniques to racialize and differentiate between groups, reflecting a complex interplay of cultural encounter, humanist ideology, and colonial aspirations. The research challenges the traditional triumphal narrative by analyzing mosaics, sculptures, and manuscripts through the lens of early Italian humanism and premodern race theories. Key findings include the use of physiognomy, skin color, and dress to construct racial hierarchies, often justified by religious difference and environmental determinism. These visual representations not only promoted a universal Christian empire but also underpinned harmful practices such as enslavement and legal exclusions.
Environmental DNA metabarcoding reveals spatial and seasonal patterns in the fish community in the Venice Lagoon
A groundbreaking study using environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding has uncovered spatial and seasonal patterns in the fish community of the Venice Lagoon. The research identified 62 fish taxa from 17 water samples collected over 12 months at two distinct sites, revealing clear differences between the freshwater-associated internal lagoon and the sea-associated external lagoon. Notably, the study detected the first occurrence of Oceanic puffer (Lagocephalus lagocephalus) DNA in the Venice Lagoon, suggesting a northward expansion of this species in the high Adriatic Sea. Additionally, seasonal migration trends were documented, with potential implications for ecological impacts due to temporary sea-lagoon connectivity interruptions caused by the MOSE system. This study underscores the utility of eDNA as a tool for monitoring biodiversity and assessing ecological consequences in World Heritage Sites.
Heri-Graphs: A Dataset Creation Framework for Multi-Modal Machine Learning on Graphs of Heritage Values and Attributes with Social Media
Researchers developed Heri-Graphs, a novel framework that constructs multi-modal datasets from social media to analyze heritage values and attributes using graph-based machine learning. By integrating images, texts, geo-locations, timestamps, and social network structures from Flickr posts, the study models visual contents and textual semantics as node features while capturing social relationships and spatio-temporal contexts as links in Multi-Graphs. Tested across three UNESCO World Heritage cities—Amsterdam, Suzhou, and Venice—the framework demonstrated high consistency for semi-supervised learning tasks, offering a scalable approach to map heritage values and attributes. This methodology bridges technical relevance in machine learning with societal interests in urban and heritage studies, paving the way for inclusive heritage management practices globally.
Promoting students’ multiliteracy, multimodal, and global citizenship skills in the second language classroom through designing a digital city tour on izi.TRAVEL
Designing digital city tours using the izi.TRAVEL platform significantly enhances students' multiliteracy, multimodal skills, and global citizenship in second-language learning. A study involving university students of Italian as a second language demonstrated that crafting digital stories based on cultural heritage—specifically Venice—improved their narration, mediation, and interpretation abilities while fostering their role as global citizens. The research employed a two-part project: classroom and museum activities to deepen understanding of Venetian culture, followed by guided creation of digital tours. Multimodal analysis revealed that this approach effectively combined language learning with digital storytelling, promoting both technical and creative competencies.
Sediment oxygen demand rate in a flow regulated lagoon (Venice, Italy)
Sediment oxygen demand (SOD) rates in Venice's lagoon, measured for the first time after the activation of the MOSE flood defense system, reveal significant variability across 16 sites and seasons. SOD ranged from 0.63 to 24.00 g m−2 d−1, with higher values observed in more confined areas, indicating that sediments can rapidly deplete dissolved oxygen even at moderate water temperatures (above 20°C). The study estimated that under MOSE closures, dissolved oxygen consumption times could vary significantly depending on the lagoon area and temperature conditions. This research highlights the potential impact of prolonged water residence times—resulting from flood defenses—on the oxygen balance of lagoons, posing implications for their ecological functioning.
The disintermediation role of social media to manage and monitor visitor flows in heritage sites
Social media plays a pivotal role in managing and monitoring visitor flows at UNESCO World Heritage Sites, offering a disintermediation approach that fosters sustainable tourism. Research analyzing social media platforms from April 2019 to September 2020 across sites like the Swiss Alps Jungfrau-Aletsch, Rhaetian Railway, Venice and its Lagoon, and the Tuscan Islands revealed significant insights into visitor behavior, tourism promotion, and hospitality services. The findings highlight how social media can enhance awareness for natural and cultural heritage while mitigating negative impacts of overtourism. A proposed Social Media Action Planning framework aims to guide heritage site managers in communicating values and managing tourism effectively. This study underscores the transformative potential of digital tools in balancing conservation with sustainable visitor engagement.
Tourism Flows in Venice: A personal perspective
Venice's tourism, driven by its rich cultural and historical significance, presents both opportunities and challenges for sustainable development. The city, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, faces increasing tourist flows that threaten its daily life while offering economic benefits. Accessible via three main routes—sea, western/central Italy, and northern Europe—Venice's tourism is shaped by its imperial past, naval history, and trade legacy. To balance growth with preservation, the study aligns with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (SDG Goal 8.9), advocating for sustainable tourism that fosters employment while safeguarding local culture and products.
Touristification and displacement. The long-standing production of Venice as a tourist attraction
Venice's transformation into a tourist-dominated city reflects a long-standing process of 'touristification,' marked by demographic shifts and social displacement. This study reveals how Venice, starting with its economic specialization in tourism at the end of the 18th century, has undergone rapid gentrification, particularly due to the rise of mainland towns like Mestre and Marghera. The research traces this evolution through urban dynamics characterized by an 'implosion/explosion' model, where conservation efforts preserved historical architecture while dismantling social diversity. Methodologically, the paper analyzes these processes over two centuries, highlighting how Venice's current tourist monoculture stems from historical choices that prioritized tourism over sustainable urban development.
Venice as a paradigm of coastal flooding under multiple compound drivers
A significant increase in the frequency of floods in Venice over the past three decades is attributed to rising non-tidal contributions to extreme sea levels, alongside relative sea-level rise. This finding emerges from a detailed analysis of the 1872-2019 sea-level time series using spectral decomposition and multivariate copula models, which revealed the complex interplay between storm surges, tides, and long-term atmospheric forcings. While storm surges remain the primary drivers of extreme events, recurrent nuisance flooding is predominantly influenced by tides and seasonal to inter-annual oscillations. The study underscores Venice's role as a paradigm for understanding coastal flood risk under compound drivers, offering critical insights for global coastal management strategies.
Venice Biennale: A Form of Cultural Heritage? A Dialogue from and within a Unique Urban Context
The Venice Biennale, one of the world's most significant art exhibitions, attracts over 800,000 visitors annually, yet its role as a form of cultural heritage remains debated. This study examines how the event interacts with its unique urban context—Venice, a UNESCO World Heritage city grappling with mass tourism and local displacement. It explores whether the Biennale can be considered a cultural asset while balancing contemporary relevance with historical legacy. The research employs qualitative analysis to interrogate this tension, offering insights into the broader implications for heritage preservation and urban identity.
A Constitution for the Anthropocene Body Politic Environment, Culture, and the Humanities in the Twenty-First Century
Venice and its Lagoon serve as a critical 'thinking machine' for contemporary natural-cultural dynamics, offering insights into the Anthropocene's environmental and societal challenges. The study highlights the significance of Environmental Humanities within the broader 'New Humanities' agenda, emphasizing their relevance during crises like the COVID-19 pandemic. By leveraging the BRIDGES Project on education for sustainability, the research proposes a 'Constitution for the Anthropocene Body Politic,' framing collective agency—human and nonhuman—as essential to addressing global transformations. The approach integrates interdisciplinary perspectives, drawing on philosophy, human sciences, and technological processes to redefine societal structures in response to environmental pressures.
A strategy to conserve material authenticity in Venice: from wall facing to urban landscape
This study highlights the significance of material authenticity in preserving UNESCO World Heritage Sites, focusing on Venice and its Lagoon. It demonstrates that elements like medieval brick walls play a crucial role in maintaining the historical identity and visual integrity of urban landscapes. The research proposes a meticulous conservation strategy for these surfaces, which serves as a model for broader maintenance programs in Venice. This approach emphasizes the importance of material authenticity not only in architectural projects but also in the overall urban conservation efforts, offering a scalable methodology applicable to other historical contexts.
Assessing glyphosate in water, marine particulate matter, and sediments in the Lagoon of Venice
Glyphosate, one of the most widely used agricultural chemicals globally, is present in the Venice Lagoon primarily due to external inputs from river inlets and local agricultural activities. A study analyzing water, suspended particulate matter, and sediment samples from seven sites between 2019 and 2021 found maximum glyphosate concentrations of 260 ng/L in lagoon water, 7 ng/L in suspended particulate matter, and 15 ng/g in sediment, with spatial and temporal variations. The research employed ion chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry to assess glyphosate levels, providing insights into its distribution and sources in this unique ecosystem.
Assessment of State Transition Dynamics of Coastal Wetlands in Northern Venice Lagoon, Italy
A significant shift in the spatial distribution of halophytic vegetation and sediment types occurred in the Lido basin, Venice Lagoon, between 2001 and 2009, marking a period of major ecological transition. This finding was derived from a multi-temporal analysis using Landsat satellite imagery (1990–2011), which revealed fluctuations in the coverage of Sarcocornia-Limonium, a key species promoting sediment deposition, ranging from 13% to 50%. The study introduces a scalable methodology leveraging Earth Observation (EO) techniques to monitor coastal wetland dynamics at various scales, supporting sustainable habitat management and evidence-based policy-making. By identifying ecosystem-level indicators of surface biophysical properties, the research provides insights into the stability and evolution of intertidal flats, with implications for nature-based solutions and morphological restoration efforts.
Detecting the Delayed Signatures of Changing Sediment Supply in Salt-Marsh Landscapes: The Case of the Venice Lagoon (Italy)
Salt-marsh systems worldwide face threats from drowning and erosion, often exacerbated by insufficient sediment supply. A study on the Venice Lagoon reveals that vertical marsh growth can remain insensitive to increased sediment input due to a time lag caused by sediment stocking along pre-existing marsh margins, which leads to horizontal expansion rather than vertical accretion. When sediment input declines, wind waves redistribute stored sediments, enabling vertical growth. This delayed response underscores the complexity of tidal landscape dynamics and has critical implications for managing coastal ecosystems under natural and anthropogenic pressures. The research integrates sedimentological, geochronological, paleoecological, geophysical, and chemical analyses of marsh sediments accumulated over six centuries to unravel these depositional processes.
Early Diagenesis in Sediments of the Venice Lagoon (Italy) and Its Relationship to Hypoxia
A critical link between sediment diagenesis and hypoxia in the Venice Lagoon has been identified, with intense diagenetic activity potentially triggering and sustaining low-oxygen conditions during summer months. The study, spanning three years (2015–2017), found that high-intensity diagenetic zones could deplete oxygen to hypoxic levels within 5–18 days under stagnant conditions, a process exacerbated by climate-driven heatwaves. Sediments were categorized into intense and moderate diagenesis groups based on metrics like dissolved inorganic carbon production (2.8 vs. 1.0 mmol m⁻² d⁻¹) and sulfate consumption (1.6 vs. 0.4 mmol m⁻² d⁻¹). Porewater sulfide accumulation near the sediment-water interface further underscored the role of sediments in oxygen depletion, with implications for lagoon health under changing climate scenarios.
Electrification of Vessels for Garbage Collection and Treatment in Venice Lagoon
Hybrid propulsion systems significantly reduce emissions from vessels operating in UNESCO World Heritage Sites, such as Venice Lagoon. A study on the first hybrid vessel designed for garbage collection in Venice's historic center demonstrates that converting diesel units to hybrid models enables near-zero emission navigation. The research highlights key engineering innovations and test results, providing a roadmap for electrifying existing marine transport infrastructure. This approach is crucial for preserving fragile ecosystems while addressing urban pollution challenges.
Extreme floods of Venice: characteristics, dynamics, past and future evolution (review article)
Extreme floods in Venice, driven by a combination of astronomical tides, seiches, and atmospherically forced fluctuations such as storm surges and meteotsunamis, are projected to worsen significantly due to rising mean sea levels. The study reveals that while historical increases in flood frequency since the mid-19th century can be attributed to relative sea level rise, future projections indicate a substantial increase in extreme water heights by 2050 and 2100, depending on emission scenarios. For instance, under a high-emission scenario (RCP8.5), 1-in-100-year water height values could rise by 26–35 cm by 2050 and 53–171 cm by 2100, with local subsidence further exacerbating the situation. The research underscores the need for adaptive long-term planning of coastal defenses to address the wide range of plausible future water height extremes.
Factors shaping the Venice Charter and its usefulness – on the example of heritage protection in Poland
While the Venice Charter remains a foundational document for heritage protection, its universal applicability has diminished over time. Analysis of Poland's conservation practices since 1989 reveals that doctrinal documents like the Venice Charter are shaped by specific historical and socio-political contexts, limiting their broader relevance. The study examines how post-communist system transformations in Poland challenged the Charter's dominance, demonstrating that such documents reflect the conditions under which they were created rather than serving as universal guidelines. This insight underscores the need to reassess the role of foundational heritage protection frameworks in evolving societal and environmental contexts.
Phytoplankton Dynamics and Water Quality in the Venice Lagoon
A 20-year study of the Venice Lagoon reveals that water quality has improved from 'moderate' to 'good,' aligning with European environmental directives. Researchers analyzed phytoplankton dynamics, finding diatoms and nanoflagellates as dominant groups, while coccolithophorids and dinoflagellates were less prevalent. No significant long-term trends in phytoplankton abundance or composition were detected, but seasonal and inter-annual variability was observed. The multimetric phytoplankton index (MPI), recently adopted by Italy for water quality assessment, proved effective in tracking temporal changes. This study underscores the importance of long-term ecological monitoring in lagoon ecosystems and highlights the MPI's utility in compliance with water framework directives.
Resisting the Tourist Gaze. Art Activism Against Cruise Ship Extractivism in the Venice Lagoon
Art activism in Venice is emerging as a powerful tool against the ecological and social degradation caused by cruise ship extractivism. The study highlights how local artistic projects, including those by Eleonora Sovrani, Gli Impresari, Banksy, and Elena Mazzi, visually expose the failures of Venice's current urban development model rooted in mass tourism. These artworks challenge the exploitative economic model of cruise companies, which entangles tourists, local communities, and the lagoon ecosystem. By framing resistance against planetary extractive capitalism, this research demonstrates how art can serve as a critical lens to denounce environmental harm and advocate for sustainable alternatives.
Sea-level rise in Venice: historic and future trends (review article)
Venice and its lagoon face significant threats from relative sea-level rise, with historical data showing an average increase of 2.5 mm/year over the past 150 years, largely driven by subsidence (contributing roughly half) and global sea-level rise. Recent tide-gauge analyses indicate a post-subsidence rate of 1.23 ± 0.13 mm/year from 1872 to 2019, with higher uncertainty in recent decades (+2.76 ± 1.75 mm/year between 1993 and 2019). Projections for 2100 suggest a likely rise of 32–62 cm under the RCP2.6 scenario and 58–110 cm under RCP8.5, with a potential high-end scenario of 180 cm due to rapid ice-sheet melting. Human-induced land motions, though unquantified in future projections, historically exacerbate risks. The study synthesizes recent research on local and regional processes, highlighting uncertainties tied to Mediterranean sea-level dynamics and atmospheric-oceanic variability.
Ship-based Repeat Hydrography: A Strategy for a Sustained Global Programme. A Community White Paper developed by the Global Ocean Ship-based Repeat Hydrographic Investigations Panel for the OceanObs ’09 Conference, Venice, Italy, 21–25 September 2009
A strategy for sustained global ship-based repeat hydrography is proposed, emphasizing the importance of long-term oceanographic monitoring. This approach involves systematic sampling along predefined transects to track changes in ocean properties over time. The paper, developed by a panel at the OceanObs ’09 Conference in Venice, Italy, outlines a framework for coordinated international efforts to observe and understand ocean dynamics. It highlights the need for sustained financial support, as demonstrated by grants from the U.S. National Science Foundation, to ensure the continuity of such programs. The strategy aims to provide critical data for global climate research and marine environmental studies.
The Holocene influence on the future evolution of the Venice Lagoon tidal marshes
To sustain Venice Lagoon's tidal marshes amid accelerating sea-level rise, sedimentation rates must double current levels. This critical finding stems from a study that quantified how past sediment dynamics influence future marsh resilience. Researchers analyzed elevation data and applied physics-based models to assess deposition and soil compaction in the lagoon. The results reveal that soft, recently deposited soils play a pivotal role in determining the fate of low-lying tidal landscapes over the next century. Without sufficient sedimentation, marshes risk submergence due to both sea-level rise and soil compaction.
The prediction of floods in Venice: methods, models and uncertainty (review article)
Storm surge forecasting in Venice faces increasing challenges due to the impending completion of the MOSE barriers, which require precise predictions for effective operation. This review identifies four key improvements to enhance forecast accuracy: better meteorological forecasts, ensemble forecasting, assimilation of water level measurements, and a multimodel approach. The study analyzes historic extreme events that posed significant forecasting difficulties, emphasizing the need to address uncertainty in surge prediction models. By integrating these advancements, the system can better protect Venice's population, economy, and cultural heritage from flood threats.
Zoom: Dominique Roger: “UNESCO offered me the world”
In 1966, Venice faced catastrophic flooding when an exceptionally high tide, known as acqua alta, breached coastal dykes and submerged the city under more than a meter of water. This event triggered a global call for international solidarity, coordinated by UNESCO, leading to widespread rescue efforts that underscored the cultural and historical significance of Venice as an architectural marvel. The publication highlights how UNESCO's intervention transformed this crisis into an opportunity for global cooperation, emphasizing the importance of preserving such irreplaceable heritage sites. The narrative focuses on the immediate response and its broader implications for international solidarity in safeguarding World Heritage Sites.
COVID-19 lockdown measures reveal human impact on water transparency in the Venice Lagoon
COVID-19 lockdown measures in Italy significantly improved water transparency in the Venice Lagoon, offering a rare glimpse into its environmental state without human interference. The study, published in Science of the Total Environment, analyzed satellite imagery from Sentinel-2 to compare suspended matter patterns before and during the lockdown (March 10, 2020). Results showed that the absence of vessel traffic—a major anthropogenic stressor—led to a transient increase in water clarity. This effect was attributed to both natural seasonal factors and the reduction of human activities, highlighting the lagoon's rapid response to external pressures. The findings underscore the interplay between natural processes and anthropogenic impacts on this dynamic ecosystem.
Impacts of Marine and Lagoon Aquaculture on Macrophytes in Mediterranean Benthic Ecosystems
Aquaculture in Mediterranean lagoons, including fish and shellfish farming, significantly impacts benthic ecosystems by altering macrophyte communities. Fish farms introduce organic matter and nutrients that can extirpate seagrass meadows like Posidonia oceanica, with effects persisting long after farming ceases. Shellfish aquaculture introduces non-native seaweeds (e.g., from Japan and Korea), which dominate lagoons such as Venice, while mussel farms contribute to larval flows that overwhelm native seaweed forests. Additionally, shellfish farming spreads diseases affecting metazoans, disrupting ecosystem function. Overfishing of predatory fish and organic pollution have historically boosted the edible sea urchin Paracentrotus lividus, leading to the decline of endemic seaweed forests. Attempts to restore urchin populations via hatchery seeding further artificialize habitats rather than aiding natural recovery. The study proposes guidelines to minimize aquaculture's ecological footprint on Mediterranean macrophytes.
Multi-Year Concentrations, Health Risk, and Source Identification, of Air Toxics in the Venice Lagoon
A multi-year study of the Venice Lagoon revealed relatively homogeneous spatial distribution of toxic metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) across three construction sites, with a slight decrease in PAH and PM10 concentrations observed over time. The research, conducted between 2010 and 2015, identified benzo(a)pyrene and dibenzo(A,H)anthracene as the primary contributors to carcinogenic risk, predominantly in particulate phases. The study employed low-volume sequential aerosol samplers for PM10 and high-volume air samplers for PAH analysis, utilizing ICP-MS and GC-HRMS techniques respectively. Diagnostic ratios were calculated to investigate PAH sources, providing critical insights into air quality impacts near construction activities such as the MOSE mobile dams project.
Nested BoxesTangible Cultural Heritage and Environmental Protection in Light of Climate Change
Climate change poses significant threats to UNESCO World Heritage Sites, particularly those with mixed cultural and natural significance. A study reveals that while the World Heritage Convention provides specialized protection for localized adaptation and mitigation measures at these sites, international environmental regulations like the UNFCCC focus more broadly on systemic mitigation and adaptation, potentially overlooking specific heritage concerns. This 'nested boxes' paradigm highlights the need for a more integrated approach to balancing cultural heritage preservation with global environmental strategies. The research underscores the importance of recognizing tangible cultural heritage as both a localized and systemic priority in international law.
Process orientation of the world heritage city management system
A process-oriented approach to managing UNESCO World Heritage Sites (WHS) enhances stakeholder engagement and improves outcomes, as demonstrated by its application to Venice and Split. This study proposes a new management meta-model that integrates theoretical concepts into practical processes, using Unified Modelling Language (UML) to document activities and responsibilities within a hierarchical structure. The approach bridges UNESCO directives with on-the-ground managerial systems, offering potential benefits for WHS managers, scholars, and experts alike. By focusing on stakeholder collaboration and process architecture, this method aims to optimize outputs and outcomes while addressing key challenges in heritage city management.
Sediment Carbon Variations in the Venice Lagoon and Other Transitional Water Systems of the Northern Adriatic Sea
Sediment carbon variations in the Venice Lagoon and adjacent transitional water systems exhibit strong correlations with anthropogenic impacts, particularly eutrophication and clam-fishing activities. Inorganic carbon (Cinorg) is linked to sediment origins—carbonate or siliceous—and its levels, along with organic carbon (Corg), fluctuate significantly under different environmental pressures. Higher sediment density, grain size, and pH are associated with good ecological conditions, marked by increased biological inorganic carbon such as shell fragments and calcified macroalgae. Conversely, Corg, indicative of eutrophic conditions, is heavily influenced by sediment disturbance and high bivalve concentrations, which accelerate its consumption. The study analyzed surface sediments from 1987 to 2011, integrating data from the Venice Lagoon, Po Delta lagoons, Comacchio Valleys, and Pialassa della Baiona, revealing nuanced relationships between carbon dynamics and ecological health in these vulnerable coastal ecosystems.
The 2019 Flooding of Venice and Its Implications for Future Predictions
The 2019 flooding of Venice, one of the worst in its history, resulted from a combination of factors that were individually unremarkable but collectively severe. This event highlighted the challenges in accurately forecasting such storms due to their complex characteristics. The study emphasizes the importance of integrating probabilistic information from ensemble forecasts into future predictions. It also warns that flooding risks will likely worsen globally as natural conditions rapidly change, using Venice as a case study for similar coastal locations. The research combines meteorological and oceanographic data analysis to assess the 2019 storm's unique features and their implications for long-term resilience strategies.
The Concept of Authenticity in Restoration Analysis of Monitoring and Restoration in the Authenticity Preservation of Cultural Heritage
A critical shift in heritage preservation emphasizes the role of non-physical forms—such as values, meanings, and cultural significance—in maintaining the authenticity of architectural heritage. While sustainable design advances physical structures, this study highlights that authenticity is equally dependent on intangible aspects like originality, locality, and historical interpretation. It introduces criteria for monitoring and restoration, distinguishing qualitative and quantitative variables to assess their impacts on authenticity preservation. The research builds on foundational documents such as the Venice Charter (1964) and the Nara Document (1994), which redefined authenticity in global heritage conservation. By weighting these criteria, it offers a framework for balancing technical and cultural considerations in restoring sites like Venice’s Lagoon.
The UNESCO Site “Venice and Its Lagoon”: Cultural Heritage Protection Policies
Cultural heritage protection policies for Venice and its Lagoon are significantly challenged by social and anthropological factors, particularly in less-touristed areas with minor architecture. These pressures, stemming from transformations in construction, trade, housing, and historical practices, threaten the site's cultural identity and landscape integrity. The study highlights that effective mitigation requires targeted actions from municipal authorities and stakeholders to address these obstacles. It also examines recent guidelines developed by the Superintendence for Archaeology, Fine Arts and Landscape for Venice, which aim to balance preservation with contemporary needs while navigating complex socio-technical dynamics.
Venice and Overtourism: Simulating Sustainable Development Scenarios through a Tourism Carrying Capacity Model
A fuzzy linear programming model offers a nuanced approach to balancing tourism's economic benefits and its negative impacts on destinations, as demonstrated by its application to Venice. This methodology addresses data uncertainty by incorporating fuzzy numbers derived from surveys of both tourists and residents, providing a more flexible framework than traditional 'crisp' models. The study highlights that such an approach can help destinations like Venice better understand the challenges of sustainable tourism development, evaluate policy impacts on sustainability, and design strategies for managing tourist flows more effectively. By simulating scenarios that maximize monetary gains while controlling undesirable tourism effects, this model presents a practical tool for policymakers to navigate the complexities of overtourism.
Vulnerability of Venice's coastland to relative sea-level rise
Venice's coastland, a significant low-lying area in Italy, faces severe threats from relative sea-level rise (RSLR), which combines climate-induced sea-level changes with land subsidence. This study reveals that even minor land subsidence rates of a few millimeters per year can critically impact the region, home to valuable ecosystems, historical heritage, and economic activities. The research employs an index-based model at a regional scale, integrating high-resolution satellite data on land subsidence, ongoing and projected sea-level rise trends, and the morpho-physiographic characteristics of the coastland. This approach highlights the uneven distribution of subsidence across Venice's diverse environments—including farmlands, estuaries, deltas, lagoons, and urban areas—underscoring the urgent need for targeted mitigation strategies to address RSLR vulnerabilities.
“Saving Venice”: Local, Global and Transnational Perspectives on Cultural Heritage in Children’s Fantasy
Children’s literature increasingly portrays cultural heritage conservation as a transnational effort, particularly when heritage sites like Venice face global threats. This study analyzes three 21st-century children’s fantasies set in Venice—Stravaganza: City of Masks, Mistica Maeva e l’anello di Venezia, and The Undrowned Child—to explore how these narratives balance local identity with global perspectives. The research reveals that while globalization has expanded the reach of such literature, it also complicates the depiction of heritage preservation, especially for UNESCO-listed sites under pressure. By examining translations and international audiences, the study highlights the tension between safeguarding cultural heritage and embracing transnational commonality in contemporary children’s fantasy.
“The Overwhelmed City”: Physical and Social Over-Capacities of Global Tourism in Venice
Venice faces severe physical and social over-capacities due to global tourism. A study comparing 2008 and 2019 reveals a dramatic expansion of tourism infrastructure: bed places in accommodations surged by 497%, while restaurants increased by 160% across all districts, contrasting with a 13% population decline. Despite a slight 4% rise in shops, the city's residential fabric is under immense pressure, reshaping daily life for locals and fueling anti-tourism movements. The research translates tourist practices—eating, sleeping, buying—into spatial and temporal analysis to assess sustainability and urban transformation. A 2019 residents' survey further illuminates depopulation motives and societal reactions, highlighting the need for balanced tourism management to preserve Venice's cultural integrity.
Continuity: a fundamental yet overlooked concept in World Heritage policy and practice
A critical analysis of UNESCO World Heritage policy highlights 'continuity' as a fundamental yet underutilized concept that could resolve significant challenges facing the system. The study argues that operationalizing continuity—particularly by replacing authenticity with it in the Operational Guidelines (OG)—could bridge the culture/nature divide, facilitate people-centred living heritage approaches, and enhance community roles in management. This approach would better recognize interlinkages between people and properties while aligning with the 2012–2022 Strategic Action Plan's goals. The research contributes to contemporary discussions on World Heritage issues by proposing continuity as a strategic objective for future nominations and management strategies.
Cruise Tourism Impacts on Historic Cities
Historic cities face significant challenges from cruise tourism, as demonstrated by cases in Barcelona and Venice. These cities have become focal points for opposition to overtourism due to the environmental and social impacts of large-scale cruise operations. Venice's situation has drawn particular attention from UNESCO, while Barcelona has implemented innovative policy responses. A key issue is the lack of local jurisdiction over port operations, which are often managed by state or national authorities. The study highlights lessons learned from these Mediterranean cities that can inform the management of cruise tourism in other historic ports worldwide, including those in the Americas and the Caribbean.
Long-term changes of the trophic status in transitional ecosystems of the northern Adriatic Sea, key parameters and future expectations: The lagoon of Venice as a study case
The lagoon of Venice has shown significant improvement in its ecological status since 2010, following decades of anthropogenic impacts. This recovery is marked by a notable reduction in nutrient concentrations both in the water column and surface sediments, alongside a shift towards higher ecological value macrophyte species while opportunistic ones like Ulvaceae are declining. The study leverages long-term datasets—nutrient data since 1948 and macroalgal maps since 1980—to analyze trophic changes and project future environmental trajectories. This research underscores the effectiveness of ongoing conservation efforts in transitional ecosystems, providing a model for managing similar sites under the European Water Framework Directive (WFD).
Overtourism
Overtourism poses significant challenges to global destinations, including UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Venice. This phenomenon, driven by factors such as increased prosperity and technological advancements, strains local infrastructure and cultural integrity. The volume proposes a framework for effective visitor management strategies to mitigate negative impacts, emphasizing the need for balanced tourist distribution and coordinated efforts between political actors and public authorities. By integrating research with practical solutions, it offers actionable insights for academics, professionals, and policymakers in tourism, sustainability, and heritage conservation.
The Copepod Acartia tonsa Dana in a Microtidal Mediterranean Lagoon: History of a Successful Invasion
The copepod Acartia tonsa has emerged as the dominant species within the Acartia genus in Venice's lagoon, supplanting native species like Paracartia latisetosa and Acartia margalefi. This shift, documented through four mesozooplankton datasets spanning 1975 to 2017, highlights A. tonsa's opportunistic nature, thriving under conditions of varying temperature, phytoplankton abundance, particulate organic carbon (POC), chlorophyll a, and salinity gradients. The study reveals that anthropogenic factors and environmental stressors have created an ideal environment for the invasion of nonindigenous species in this microtidal Mediterranean lagoon, with significant implications for its trophic network and ecosystem services. By comparing coexistence patterns before and after A. tonsa's settlement, researchers underscore the ecological consequences of such invasions on UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
The effects of ship wakes in the Venice Lagoon and implications for the sustainability of shipping in coastal waters
Large vessels traversing the Venice Lagoon generate significant depression wakes, causing water level drops of up to 2.45 meters at channel margins and accelerating shoreline retreat. This study analyzes approximately 600 wake events using AIS data, revealing that ship-induced solitary waves can profoundly impact lagoon morphology. The research proposes a predictive model for wake amplitude based on ship characteristics, offering insights into the sustainability of coastal shipping. By linking ship motion parameters to environmental effects, the findings highlight the need for mitigating measures to protect vulnerable shallow water habitats in UNESCO-listed sites.
Tidal Flow Asymmetry and Discharge of Lateral Tributaries Drive the Evolution of a Microtidal Meander in the Venice Lagoon (Italy)
A meandering channel in the Venice Lagoon evolves under asymmetric tidal flows, developing depositional patterns akin to fluvial meanders dominated by flood or ebb currents. Enhanced sediment and water fluxes from lateral tributaries, sourced from wind-wave exposed tidal flats, critically influence erosional and depositional dynamics within these sheltered meanders. The study used 2-D and 3-D numerical models to analyze natural and anthropogenically induced changes in tidal flow asymmetries over the past 120 years, comparing results with historical and modern field data. Findings highlight how increased tidal asymmetry reduces the morphological effects of the nondominant flow, while lateral tributaries significantly alter meander development.
Venice: an analysis of tourism excesses in an overtourism icon.
Venice's tourism has reached unsustainable levels, with the number of tourist beds now matching its resident population. This study reveals how overtourism transcends local quality-of-life issues, reshaping Venice's economic landscape and physical geography irreversibly. The analysis combines a broad overview with detailed spatial impacts over the past decade, exposing systemic transformations driven by tourism excesses. Proposed overtourism indicators aim to deepen understanding of anti-tourist sentiments and guide future research on this global phenomenon.
Cruise Tourism and Sustainability in the Mediterranean. Destination Venice
Cruise tourism, despite its rapid growth and apparent adoption of sustainable practices, poses significant environmental and societal challenges, particularly for fragile ecosystems like Venice's lagoon. The study highlights that while the cruise industry has embraced sustainability paradigms, critical issues persist, including differing perspectives among stakeholders—such as tourists, cruise companies, local authorities, and conservation groups—which complicate efforts to balance demand with ecological preservation. Venice's unique legislative framework and ongoing debates about cruise ships in its lagoon serve as a case study illustrating the complexities of achieving sustainable tourism. The research underscores the need for coordinated strategies to mitigate negative impacts while sustaining economic benefits.
Land Subsidence in Coastal Environments: Knowledge Advance in the Venice Coastland by TerraSAR-X PSI
Advanced satellite-based monitoring reveals millimeter-scale precision in measuring land subsidence in Venice's coastal environment, offering unprecedented insights into both natural and human-induced factors driving ground movement. The study leverages TerraSAR-X Persistent Scatterer Interferometry (PSI), a technique that combines high spatial resolution (3 meters) with short repeat intervals (11 days), to track subsidence across the Venice Lagoon, including its historical center, salt marshes, and areas affected by infrastructure projects like the MoSE barrier. By analyzing data from 2008–2013, researchers achieved vertical accuracy down to the millimeter, even for short-term observations spanning just one year. This breakthrough enhances understanding of subsidence dynamics in Venice, a UNESCO World Heritage Site vulnerable to environmental and anthropogenic pressures.
Rediscovery of a Forgotten MediterraneanChaetomorphaSpecies in the Venice Lagoon (North Adriatic Sea):Chaetomorpha strictaSchiffner (Cladophorales, Chlorophyta)
A long-forgotten Mediterranean species of green algae, Chaetomorpha stricta, has been rediscovered in the Venice Lagoon after being mistakenly classified as a synonym for another species. This study reinstates C. stricta to its original species rank based on morphological and molecular analyses, distinguishing it by its unique cell structure and genetic data. The rediscovery occurred in 2011 in an oligotrophic fishing pond within the northern basin of the lagoon. Researchers also provide a critical review of Chaetomorpha taxa in the Mediterranean and a taxonomic key to aid identification. This finding highlights the importance of revisiting historical records and using modern techniques to uncover overlooked biodiversity, even in well-studied regions like the Venice Lagoon.
The People’s Prince: Popular Politics in Early Modern Venice
A rare glimpse into popular politics during the Venetian Republic's funeral rites reveals the public's influence on political narratives. On April 7, 1595, a spontaneous outcry for Marino Grimani disrupted the solemn procession honoring Doge Pasquale Cicogna, challenging the official republican values. This incident, documented in van Gelder's study, underscores how common citizens actively shaped political discourse in early modern Venice. The research analyzes archival records and historical accounts to dissect this moment, offering insights into the interplay between formal ceremonies and popular sentiment.
The Role of Spatial Networks in the Historic Urban Landscape: Learning from Venice in the Fifteenth and Sixteenth Centuries
Venice's historic urban landscape, particularly the Piazza San Marco, reveals that heritage is a socially constructed process involving the interplay of anonymous urban structures and designed elements. This study redefines UNESCO's Historic Urban Landscape (HUL) framework by demonstrating how spatial networks, intangible practices, and symbols shape early modern architectural consciousness and urban regeneration. It challenges disciplinary boundaries in heritage conservation, arguing for an interdisciplinary approach that acknowledges dominant ideologies while exposing underlying conflicts. By analyzing Venice's 15th-16th century urban morphology, the research offers a model for understanding how societies select and legitimize structures—from buildings to legal instruments—as part of their cultural identity.
Unraveling pedestrian mobility on a road network using ICTs data during great tourist events
A new dataset from TIM, capturing GPS positions of mobile devices, reveals distinct pedestrian mobility patterns in Venice during high tourist events. The study identifies characteristic travel time budgets and rest times that influence mobility dynamics, highlighting two interconnected subnetworks responsible for the majority of observed movements. Analysis distinguishes between Italian and foreigner tourists, uncovering unique mobility behaviors linked to points of interest. This approach offers innovative tools to assess pedestrian flows in historical cities, aiding governance efforts to balance tourist influx with urban livability and cultural heritage preservation.
Venice: a library for the world
Venice, with its over 35 libraries housing more than three million volumes, emerges as a 'library for the world,' offering a unique cultural and operational model. This study reveals Venice's historical center as a dynamic network of libraries, rich in both spatial organization and social significance, serving as a laboratory for creative thinking and urban development. The research employed mixed methods, including mapping, photographic surveys, and interviews with library stakeholders, to analyze the city's library assets and challenges. A comparative analysis with Manhattan's libraries further contextualized Venice's role as a cultural hub. The study proposes an innovative 'ark' concept—a central node for a polycentric library system—to address current issues while fostering synergies between institutions. By positioning libraries as catalysts for urban growth, the research underscores their potential to shape a sustainable and interconnected future for Venice.
Walkability assessment and tourism cities: the case of Venice
Venice's walkability is significantly compromised by the lack of basic services, overwhelming tourism flows, and inadequate road signage, according to a systematic review assessing pedestrian friendliness in mass tourism cities. The study analyzed open data from Venice's public institutions and conducted on-site observations, revealing critical issues that exacerbate conflicts between residents and visitors. These findings suggest potential design solutions and policy interventions to manage tourism more sustainably, offering a valuable framework for tourism-based walkability assessments. Such improvements could mitigate urban pressures in high-tourism areas like Venice.
BIM System for the Conservation and Preservation of the Mosaics of San Marco in Venice
A groundbreaking BIM (Building Information Modeling) system has been developed to address the complex challenges of conserving and preserving the mosaics of San Marco Basilica. This innovative approach leverages multi-source data collection, high-resolution photogrammetric acquisition, and a self-implemented BIM application to create a 1:1 scale representation of the basilica's intricate mosaics, achieving submillimeter resolution even in high domes (28 meters). The system organizes the complex into smaller, manageable parts, facilitating efficient data management during both survey and modeling stages. It also introduces a novel solution for handling gigapixel orthophotos, allowing users to access both geometric models and raster representations of each element, effectively turning the BIM model into a three-dimensional catalogue.
Collective Action for Territorial Identity in Tourism: The Case Study of Two UNESCO Sites
A novel framework for managing and valorizing tourist destinations emerges from this study, which applies the theory of commons—focusing on self-organized collective action—to territorial governance. By comparing two UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Cilento, Vallo di Diano and Alburni National Park (characterized by collaborative governance) and Venice (marked by uncooperative governance), the research highlights how territorial identity and tourism heritage can be treated as shared resources. This approach reveals distinct governance dynamics that suggest innovative management strategies for sustainable tourism development. The study bridges gaps in existing literature, offering new pathways for research and practical applications in territorial conservation and governance.
Computing the relative land subsidence at Venice, Italy, over the last fifty years
Over the past five decades, Venice's historical center has experienced relative land subsidence (RLS) of up to 190 mm compared to the Northern Adriatic mean sea level. This study quantifies RLS using a combination of levelling surveys from 1961 to 1993 and satellite-based Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) interferometry data from 1993 to 2016, revealing an average subsidence rate of 0.8 mm/year alongside a mean sea-level rise of 1.9 mm/year. The findings highlight significant spatial variability in subsidence, with cumulative losses ranging from 8 mm to 93 mm. Projections suggest that without mitigation, Venice could face an additional 190 mm loss of elevation by 2100, exacerbating flooding risks and threatening the city's survival. This research underscores the urgent need for climate adaptation strategies to protect this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Effect of Partial Use of Venice Flood Barriers
A numerical analysis demonstrates that closing only two of the three Venice lagoon inlets during severe storm surges can effectively safeguard water levels without exceeding critical thresholds, while allowing uninterrupted vessel transit through the open inlet. This approach mitigates the slowdown in maritime traffic caused by full barrier activation, offering a balanced solution for flood defense and port operations. The study identifies specific meteorological conditions under which partial closure of barriers maintains acceptable water levels, providing actionable insights for the MoSE system's operational strategy.
Fast shoreline erosion induced by ship wakes in a coastal lagoon: Field evidence and remote sensing analysis
A rapid shoreline erosion, averaging 3-4 meters per year between 1974 and 2015, has been identified along the Malamocco Marghera Channel in Venice's Lagoon due to ship wakes. This erosion is influenced by tidal forcing, storm surges, and seasonal variations, with winter periods showing faster retreat rates. The study, combining field surveys from April 2014 to January 2015 with remote sensing and GIS analysis, revealed that the process is discontinuous in time and space, depending on morpho-stratigraphy and vegetation cover of artificial deposits. A total sediment loss of approximately 1.19 million cubic meters was calculated for the period between 1968-2015. The research highlights the significant impact of heavy ship traffic on shallow-water systems, providing crucial data for sustainable port management and future scenario development.
The Jewish Ghetto and the Visual Imagination of Early Modern Venice
Dana E. Katz's study reveals that the marginalization of Venice's Jewish ghetto in 1516 paradoxically amplified its visibility, shaping urban space and Christian-Jewish relations through discourses of sight. The research demonstrates how nocturnal curfews, intended to reduce Jewish presence, instead embedded the ghetto in the sensory imagination of both Christian and Jewish inhabitants. Katz's approach combines historical analysis with spatial and visual discourse studies, uncovering complex, contradictory ways the ghetto influenced urban perceptions and social dynamics.
The Origin of Venice According to the City’s Chronicle Tradition and the “Venetian Myth”
Venice's self-perception as a unique island state with a glorious past, rooted in myth and chronicle traditions from the 10th to the 20th century, was solidified by the 16th century. This study reveals how Venice strategically 'appropriated' its ancient origins—linking itself to Trojan foundations and imperial heritage—to construct a powerful cultural narrative. The 'Venetian Myth' emphasized its unparalleled geographic location, economic dominance as a global trade hub, innovative republican governance, and artistic prestige. Through analysis of historiographic and artistic sources, the research demonstrates how this myth evolved from humble beginnings during the Migration Period into a complex ideological framework that persisted even after the fall of the republic in 1797.
The Venice specimen of Ouranosaurus nigeriensis (Dinosauria, Ornithopoda)
A mounted skeleton of Ouranosaurus nigeriensis, displayed at the Natural History Museum of Venice since 1975, has been confirmed to include paratype material from Niger's Gadoufaoua locality. This study clarifies its complex history, revealing that while most elements are authentic, some (e.g., femur, coracoid) were replaced with plaster copies, and others (e.g., vertebrae, pelvic bones) likely originated from additional specimens. Osteohistological analysis shows the Venice specimen is sub-adult, providing new insights into its growth stages. Comparisons with the holotype highlight intraspecific variability and potential preparation errors, while also refining the taxon's diagnosis. The dorsal 'sail' structure remains a distinctive feature, reinforcing its role as a display trait among ornithopods.
Towards the De-secularisation of Heritage
Modern conservation practices, particularly those outlined in the Venice Charter, have inadvertently led to the 'secularisation' of built heritage, prioritizing material preservation over human connection. This shift, rooted in Western secular values, has distanced heritage from people and society. However, recent changes—particularly over the past two decades—signify a paradigm shift toward de-secularisation, focusing on the well-being of both heritage and society. The paper argues that this shift is essential for heritage to remain meaningful and culturally motivating. It explores resistance to change, the dominance of secular conservation philosophy, and provides sources that could sustain this necessary evolution.
Urban Accessibility Of Historical Cities: The Venetian Case Study
A strategic program for Venice could successfully integrate conservation requirements with accessibility improvements, addressing the unique challenges posed by its historical urban fabric and UNESCO World Heritage status. The study evaluates current national and regional regulations alongside Inclusive Design principles to identify strategies that enhance mobility and usability, particularly for bridges, which are currently limited in accessibility due to their stepped nature. By analyzing existing solutions like the 'stepped ramp' and new accessible ramps for the Venice Marathon, the research aims to transition from mechanical devices to specific architectural projects that guarantee autonomy while preserving historical integrity.
Women, Sex and Marriage in Early Modern Venice
A groundbreaking study reveals the pivotal role of sexual morality in shaping patriarchal structures within early modern Venice, particularly during the Counter-Reformation era. By meticulously analyzing ecclesiastical and civil lawsuits involving illicit sex, broken marriage promises, and marital disputes among artisans and ordinary individuals, the research demonstrates how gender dynamics were contested not only in daily life but also in courtship rituals and domestic spheres. The findings highlight the active role of neighbors as mediators, offering insights into moral values and social support networks within this heterogeneous community. This work significantly advances fields such as gender history, social history, and the history of crime and sexuality.
A procedure for the quantification of total iodine by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, and its application to the determination of iodine in algae sampled in the lagoon of Venice
A novel procedure using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) was successfully developed to quantify total iodine levels, offering a precise method for biomonitoring. Applied to seaweeds from Venice's lagoon, the technique revealed significant iodine concentrations in these marine organisms, providing critical data on environmental iodine distribution and potential ecological impacts. The study highlights ICP-MS as a reliable tool for trace element analysis in complex matrices, with implications for monitoring water quality and biological health in coastal ecosystems.
An innovative hybrid-electric small passenger craft for the sustainable mobility in the Venice Lagoon
Researchers have developed a hybrid-electric small passenger craft designed to reduce environmental impact and energy consumption in the Venice Lagoon. The craft features an innovative hullform that minimizes wave generation, thereby lowering its effect on nearby buildings and improving energy efficiency. Additionally, it incorporates a Low Voltage Direct Current (LVDC) Integrated Power System enabling zero-emission navigation under certain conditions. This design addresses the urgent need for sustainable mobility solutions in high-tourist areas, particularly where traditional public transport relies heavily on water-based vehicles.
Combining L- and X-Band SAR Interferometry to Assess Ground Displacements in Heterogeneous Coastal Environments: The Po River Delta and Venice Lagoon, Italy
Ground displacement patterns in the Po River Delta and Venice Lagoon, Italy, exhibit significant variability, with subsidence rates ranging from 0 mm/yr to -35 mm/yr. This study combines L-band Short-Baseline SAR Interferometry (SBAS) and X-band Persistent Scatterer Interferometry (PSI) using COSMO-SkyMed and ALOS-PALSAR satellite data, respectively, to accurately measure ground movements in both urban and natural environments. The methodology leverages the high-resolution capabilities of PSI for built-up areas while utilizing SBAS to effectively capture displacements in vegetated and wet zones. Calibrated with GPS records, this approach provides a comprehensive assessment of subsidence, enhancing the understanding of both natural and anthropogenic processes contributing to land sinking.
Heritage, Tourism, and Demography in the Island City of Venice: The Depopulation and Heritagisation
Venice faces unique demographic challenges due to its heritage protection laws, geography, and tourism industry. Contrary to the common narrative, depopulation is not solely driven by necessity or convenience but reflects a complex balance between island and mainland identities. The study examines how these factors interact, highlighting the need for nuanced policies that address both heritage preservation and sustainable urban development.
Selection and Resource Allocation Model for Upgrading Fire Safety of Historic Buildings
A novel selection and resource allocation model has been developed to optimize fire safety upgrades for historic buildings, addressing budget constraints while ensuring effective protection. The model integrates innovative tools to solve real-world budget allocation challenges, demonstrated through a case study of the Mount Athos Monasteries. This approach provides a systematic framework for designers to balance trade-offs in fire protection design under limited resources, offering a practical solution for preserving cultural heritage from fire hazards.
Statistical characterization of spatiotemporal sediment dynamics in the Venice lagoon
High suspended sediment concentration (SSC) events in the Venice lagoon can be modeled as a marked Poisson process, with exponentially distributed interarrival times, peak intensities, and durations. The study reveals that while intensity and duration of these events are temporally correlated, interarrival times show little correlation with other factors. Benthic vegetation plays a significant role by reducing resuspension events in the central southern lagoon, affecting adjacent areas. Additionally, advection and dispersion processes contribute to mixing suspended sediments, leading to more homogeneous spatial patterns of mean interarrival times for SSC events compared to bottom shear stress events.
Storm surge modelling in Venice: two years of operational results
A high-accuracy storm surge model for Venice, operational since 2016, demonstrates remarkable predictive precision under normal weather conditions. Using the Shallow Water Hydrodynamic Model (SHYFEM), researchers at CNR and ICPSM forecast sea levels in the Mediterranean Sea and Venice Lagoon with mean errors (Ē) and standard deviations (σ) of approximately 1 cm and 5 cm, respectively, within the first 24 hours. The model integrates atmospheric data from ECMWF and a neural-network correction module to refine predictions based on observed Adriatic sea levels. While accuracy slightly declines during storm surge events, this operational system provides critical support for safeguarding Venice's cultural heritage and natural environment by delivering reliable six-day forecasts every six hours.
The 1966 flooding of Venice: What time taught us for the future
Fifty years after the devastating flood that struck Venice and Florence, a comprehensive analysis reveals critical lessons for mitigating future flooding risks. The study identifies key components of relative sea level rise contributing to Venice's vulnerability, including natural subsidence and human-induced factors. It highlights significant advancements in monitoring networks and forecasting capabilities since 1966, which have been instrumental in safeguarding the city. Notably, the research underscores the role of luck in preventing a more catastrophic outcome during the 1966 event, emphasizing the importance of preparedness and proactive engineering interventions. The findings provide a robust framework for understanding and addressing the complex interplay between meteo-oceanographic factors and urban resilience.
The World as Seen from Venice (1205-1533) as a Case Study of Scalable Web-Based Automatic Narratives for Interactive Global Histories
A scalable, web-based approach to automatically generate interactive global historical narratives has been developed and tested using Venice's 13th-century world as a case study. This method overcomes challenges posed by unstructured historical data and the limitations of traditional machine-learning tools, enabling the identification of key periods, events, actors, and locations through time-resolved network analysis. By focusing on actions like war, trade, and treaties, researchers can extract meaningful narratives that support hypothesis testing across datasets. The approach paves the way for agent-based modeling to simulate counterfactual histories, offering deeper insights into historical development and its potential future trajectories.
ARGOS-Venice Boat Classification
A novel dataset for boat classification, derived from the ARGOS surveillance system operating 24/7 in Venice's lagoon, offers unique challenges and opportunities for advancing vehicle detection and tracking technologies. This dataset, characterized by its diverse environmental conditions—including boat wakes, waves, and reflections—enables robust validation of classification techniques. By providing a publicly accessible resource, the study facilitates comparative analysis and development of new solutions, with potential applications extending beyond Venice to other maritime surveillance contexts.
Conservation and authenticity: Interactions and enquiries
A critical reassessment of authenticity in conservation reveals that its meaning is multifaceted, with recent neuroscience research demonstrating distinct brain responses to authentic versus copied artifacts. The study examines how cultural heritage charters—such as the Athens Charter and Venice Charter—have historically applied authenticity, often without unified criteria, and explores its implications through case studies, including restorations of ancient marble sculptures and Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel frescoes. It argues for a more integrated, discipline-spanning approach to evaluating authenticity, acknowledging that debates have evolved significantly in the past two decades.
The Business of Prostitution in Early Renaissance Venice
Venice's late fourteenth and early fifteenth centuries saw the establishment of a legalized prostitution system, managed by government officials and primarily operated by women brothel-keepers. This study reveals how debt and credit mechanisms within this system often subjugated prostitutes to their brothel-keepers and other creditors, limiting their autonomy. The research also explores the integration of sex workers into local society and traces broader trends in Venetian policy toward prostitution up to the sixteenth century. By analyzing archival records, the study reconstructs the economic and social dynamics of this unique business model, offering insights into gender roles and state regulation during the Renaissance.
The Roman City of Altinum, Venice Lagoon, from Remote Sensing and Geophysical Prospection
A Roman city, Altinum, once flourished in the Venice Lagoon, serving as a significant harbour during the Iron Age and Roman periods before being abandoned in the early Middle Ages. Recent geophysical prospection, integrating vertical multispectral and oblique aerial images with advanced techniques like magnetic gradiometer mapping, ground-penetrating radar, and frequency-domain electromagnetics, has uncovered its urban landscape with remarkable precision—locating structures with an error margin of less than 0.5 meters. The study revealed preserved floors and foundations of Roman buildings and infrastructures at depths of 0.5 to 2 meters, suggesting a city re-organization between the second half of the 2nd century and the end of the 1st century BC. Eight distinct districts were identified, each with public, residential, or productive functions, while monumental buildings likely served as nautical signals for ships navigating the Adriatic Sea along this otherwise monotonous coast.
Venice and the Cultural Imagination
Venice and its Lagoon, as explored in the edited volume 'Venice and the Cultural Imagination,' reveals the profound and enduring influence of Venice on global cultural narratives. The study examines how Venice has been reimagined across centuries by prominent literary figures such as Shakespeare, Byron, Wordsworth, the Shelleys, Thomas Mann, and others, as well as through visual arts like those of J M W Turner. It also delves into Venice's significance in opera, Victorian literature, and modern adaptations, including Daphne du Maurier's 'Don't Look Now' and its film adaptation by Nicolas Roeg. The research approach combines literary analysis with interdisciplinary perspectives, highlighting Venice's dual role as both a physical landscape and a symbol of cultural imagination, decay, and transformation.
Historic Cities and the Venice Charter: Contributions to the Sustainable Preservation of Urban Heritage
The Venice Charter of 1964 established foundational principles for the sustainable preservation of urban heritage, emphasizing minimal intervention, respect for original materials, and the integration of monuments within their settings. It marked a shift from earlier romantic reconstruction approaches, advocating for scientifically informed conservation practices that balance authenticity with contemporary needs. The charter's influence extended beyond individual monuments to neighborhoods and towns, promoting socially useful purposes for heritage preservation. Subsequent documents, such as the Nara Document (1994) and the Burra Charter (1979), expanded these principles by redefining authenticity and broadening the scope of urban heritage conservation. This study evaluates the enduring contributions and challenges of the Venice Charter in guiding global efforts to preserve historic cities like Venice, highlighting its role in shaping international standards for heritage management.
Natural Recovery and Planned Intervention in Coastal Wetlands: Venice Lagoon (Northern Adriatic Sea, Italy) as a Case Study
A significant reduction in eutrophication and macroalgal biomass, alongside the expansion of seagrass meadows, was observed in Venice Lagoon over a 16-year period following natural recovery processes and planned interventions to reduce nutrient inputs. The study, conducted between 1987 and 2003, demonstrated that decreases in total nitrogen, organic phosphorus, and organic carbon concentrations in sediment correlated with ecological improvements. Additionally, the shift from illegal to managed Manila clam farming contributed to these positive changes. Researchers analyzed nutrient and carbon levels in sediments alongside macroalgal and seagrass biomass using consistent survey protocols across four time points.
Plant‐soil interactions in salt marsh environments: Experimental evidence from electrical resistivity tomography in the Venice Lagoon
Aerated soil layers persist beneath flooded surfaces in salt marshes when plant transpiration rates are sufficiently high, according to the first quantitative observational study of its kind. Researchers used time-lapse microscale electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) and tensiometric observations to map space-time soil moisture dynamics in a Venice Lagoon salt marsh, overcoming limitations posed by salinity on traditional measurement techniques. The findings confirm model predictions that transpiration improves soil aeration, with implications for vegetation distribution, topographic features, and the survival of these critical ecosystems—key markers for climate change studies.
Protecting the historic centre of Venice. A coordinated analysis of the physical and perceived wear processes to define mitigating actions
A coordinated analysis of the historic center of Venice reveals critical physical and perceptual wear factors, particularly those exacerbated by tourism, threatening its conservation. The study identifies 'macro-emergencies'—key drivers of degradation—and proposes measurable indicators for monitoring and mitigating these risks. By integrating systemic analysis with the UNESCO Management Plan for Venice and its Lagoon, the research offers actionable strategies to safeguard this World Heritage Site against anthropogenic pressures, emphasizing both tangible damage and perceptual impacts on heritage perception.
Salinity and its variability in the Lagoon of Venice, 2000–2009
The Lagoon of Venice exhibits a stable, steady-state salinity distribution characterized by three distinct zones: a northern freshwater-influenced area with high tidal variability (salinity <28 PSU), a southern marine zone with low tidal variability (salinity >32 PSU), and an intermediate transition zone. This stability, supported by data from 13 stations spanning 2000–2009, indicates that salinity changes are primarily driven by rainfall events and tidal motion rather than intrinsic water composition shifts. The study confirms the lagoon's long-term (to 1961) equilibrium, fostering at least three separate ecosystems. Researchers analyzed monthly and bimonthly salinity data alongside semi-continuous 2009 measurements to validate these findings.
Storm Surge Ensemble Prediction for the City of Venice
A novel ensemble prediction system (EPS) for storm surge forecasting in Venice, Italy, demonstrates that peak storm surges correspond with heightened uncertainty, which increases linearly over time. The study, based on 50 simulations and applied to 10 high-surge events in 2010, links this uncertainty directly to meteorological forcing fields rather than the quasi-linear dynamics of the surges, except for oscillations tied to the basin's 11-hour seiche period. Notably, the ensemble mean forecast (EMF) proved more robust and equally accurate as deterministic forecasts, offering a reliable tool for managing Venice's protection barriers.
The ANDROID case study; Venice and its territory: a general overview
Venice and its Lagoon face significant risks from cross-border disasters, necessitating a holistic approach to risk assessment. The ANDROID project's case study on Venice identifies key milestones, open questions, and future research needs, providing a strategic framework for scientists and educators to translate multifaceted knowledge into specific solutions. This work is closely linked to three other studies that delve deeper into hazards, vulnerability/resilience, and mitigation strategies for the site. Notably, the City of Venice's participation in the UNISDR Program 'Making Cities Resilient' has led to the implementation of the MOSE project, a system of mobile dikes designed to protect against flooding. However, this intervention remains controversial due to potential environmental impacts. The study evaluates both the drawbacks and benefits of such interventions, offering further proposals for the global safeguard of Venice and its lagoon.
The ANDROID Case Study; Venice and its Territory: Existing Mitigation Options and Challenges for the Future
Venice and its Lagoon face significant risks from cross-border disasters, necessitating a holistic approach to risk assessment. A case study within the ANDROID project identifies strategic mitigation options while addressing open questions and future research needs. The paper evaluates the MOSE project, a robust intervention involving mobile dikes at lagoon openings, which has sparked debate due to potential environmental impacts. It suggests further proposals for the global safeguard of Venice, providing a reference point for scientists and educators to translate multifaceted knowledge into specific solutions. This study is part of a broader effort by the City of Venice to participate in the UNISDR Program 'Making Cities Resilient.'
The Venice Charter and Cultural Landscapes: Evolution of Heritage Concepts and Conservation Over Time
The concept of cultural heritage has significantly evolved since the 1964 Venice Charter, which initially emphasized tangible constructs like monuments and sites. Over time, this framework broadened to include landscapes, intangible heritage, cultural routes, historic urban landscapes, and rural landscapes. The study traces this evolution through key documents such as the 1982 Florence Charter on Historic Gardens and UNESCO’s 1992 Operational Guidelines for World Heritage, highlighting how the Venice Charter influenced these developments. It also explores current challenges in conserving cultural landscapes, including recognizing associative values and indigenous knowledge, while maintaining continuing agricultural landscapes.
The Venice Charter: A Bibliography
The Venice Charter, adopted in 1964 by ICOMOS, has been a cornerstone in guiding the conservation of historic monuments and sites. This bibliography, compiled by Lozupone and Frank, highlights key critiques and adaptations of the charter over four decades, revealing its evolving relevance and limitations. It identifies recurring themes such as the need for a 'parallel text' to address shortcomings, the critique of 'heritage dogma' reinforcing outdated principles, and the reinterpretation of tangible and intangible heritage definitions. The summary also explores the charter's application in diverse cultural contexts, including modern architecture and U.S. preservation policies, while noting persistent discussions on its modernization despite no formal amendments. The research approach involves synthesizing commentaries from international symposia, scholarly articles, and policy comparisons to assess the charter's impact and adaptability.
Vibrio Trends in the Ecology of the Venice Lagoon
A study on the ecology of Vibrio species in the Venice Lagoon reveals that these bacteria exhibit preferential associations with specific ecological variables, offering insights into their distribution and adaptation. Researchers isolated Vibrionaceae from shellfish using multilocus sequence analysis (MLSA) based on four housekeeping genes, comparing molecular and biochemical approaches for species characterization. The findings highlight MLSA as a reliable method for taxonomic studies while demonstrating the imprecision of biochemical identification. Additionally, statistical models were employed to investigate the relationship between genetic information and environmental factors, providing a fine-scale overview of Vibrio distribution in the lagoon.
Assessing hydrological effects of human interventions on coastal systems: numerical applications to the Venice Lagoon
Human interventions and sea level rise have significantly altered the hydrological dynamics of Venice Lagoon, reducing its flushing capacity and water renewal time. Research using hydrodynamic models revealed that between 1927 and 2002, while absolute water exchange with the sea increased, the daily fraction exchanged decreased, leading to a reduction in water renewal time from 11.9 to 10.8 days. Morphological changes over the past decade further extended this time by 0.5 days. Future scenarios project that Venice Lagoon will become more restricted due to rising sea levels and periodic closures during flooding events, exacerbating these trends and impacting ecological dynamics.
Clam culture in the Venice lagoon: stock assessment of Manila clam (Venerupis philippinarum) populations at a nursery site and management proposals to increase clam farming sustainability
A critical assessment of Manila clam (Venerupis philippinarum) stocks in the Venice lagoon, Europe's primary production site for this species, reveals significant potential for recruitment and highlights the need for sustainable management practices. The study, conducted near the Porto Marghera industrial zone—a key natural settlement area—used ordinary kriging to evaluate clam abundance, biomass, and sediment texture across 46 sampling stations over approximately 1085 hectares. Findings indicate that while wild stocks remain a vital resource for mollusc culture, their conservation status is precarious due to unsustainable exploitation. Proposed measures include establishing biological protection areas and implementing shared, rational management of nursery sites, which could enhance the sustainability of clam farming in the lagoon.
Natural versus anthropogenic subsidence of Venice
Venice's subsidence shows distinct natural and anthropogenic components, with natural processes contributing 0.9 ± 0.7 mm/year due to heterogeneous subsoil, while human activities cause localized displacements ranging from -10 to 2 mm/year. This distinction was achieved using Persistent Scatterer Interferometry (PSI) with C-band and X-band satellite data, revealing the effectiveness of high-resolution sensors in monitoring short-term movements linked to urban interventions.
Overconsolidation and Stiffness of Venice Lagoon Sands and Silts from SDMT and CPTU
A novel approach to estimating the overconsolidation ratio (OCR) in Venice Lagoon sands and silts using combined seismic dilatometer (SDMT) and piezocone (CPTU) tests has been demonstrated. This method provides a practical way to assess OCR, which is crucial for understanding soil behavior under loading conditions. The study, conducted at the Treporti test site in Venice, Italy, involved constructing and monitoring a cylindrical trial embankment over four years. By analyzing SDMT and CPTU soundings before and after embankment removal, researchers observed how OCR changes reflected in the soil's stiffness behavior. Additionally, the research illustrates the potential of SDMT to evaluate the decay of soil stiffness with increasing strain levels, offering valuable insights for geotechnical engineering applications.
Adaptive Comanagement in the Venice Lagoon? An Analysis of Current Water and Environmental Management Practices and Prospects for Change
Current water and environmental management practices in the Venice Lagoon show limited progress toward adaptive comanagement despite its potential benefits. The study analyzes existing governance structures, highlighting fragmented decision-making and insufficient stakeholder collaboration. While some adaptive elements exist, such as the MOSE flood defense system, broader integration of scientific knowledge and community involvement remains underdeveloped. The research suggests that overcoming institutional barriers is crucial for effective long-term management, emphasizing the need for more inclusive, evidence-based approaches to address environmental challenges in the lagoon.
Beyond Eurocentrism? Heritage conservation and the politics of difference
A critical examination of heritage conservation reveals that assertions of geographic, national, or civilizational difference in Asia are driven by post-colonial subjectivities, a desire for global prestige, and practical challenges rather than solely by perceived inadequacies of Western approaches. The study analyzes declarations like the Cultural Charter for Africa (1976) and the Nara Document on Authenticity (1994), contrasting them with the 1964 Venice Charter to explore how heritage governance is recalibrated in response to these dynamics. By moving between explanatory frameworks, it argues that Asia's cultural and landscape narratives are complex manifestations of historical, political, and practical factors, challenging simplistic Eurocentric critiques.
Built Heritage and Sustainable Tourism: Conceptual, Economic and Social Variables
Heritage and tourism, once distinct concepts, have evolved to intertwine with sustainable development, presenting both opportunities and threats. This study highlights how the expansion of mass tourism has transformed heritage into a multifaceted asset, encompassing tangible and intangible elements, from historic monuments to cultural landscapes and routes. While tourism drives economic growth, job creation, and urban development, it also risks distorting heritage values and meanings. The research emphasizes the need for sustainable policies that balance conservation with economic benefits, ensuring built heritage remains a symbol of cultural identity without compromising its integrity or future generations' needs.
Characterisation of PM2.5 concentrations and turbulent fluxes on a island of the Venice lagoon using high temporal resolution measurements
A seasonal pattern in PM2.5 turbulent fluxes was identified, with daytime positive values during winter and negative during summer, indicating significant atmospheric influence on deposition velocities. The study also revealed that high wind velocities from the water sector contributed to larger emissions, suggesting a notable role of sea spray in PM2.5 fluxes. Additionally, diurnal winds from the Adriatic Sea and nocturnal winds from the Alps influenced deposition velocity, creating an increase in negative fluxes during morning sea breeze onset. The research utilized high-resolution optical PM2.5 detectors coupled with micrometeorological stations to measure vertical turbulent fluxes using eddy-correlation techniques across three seasons.
Commensuration and styles of reasoning: Venice, cost–benefit, and the defence of place
Quantitative economic calculations in environmental assessments can both stabilize and disrupt the objectivity of numbers, depending on how the subject and object of calculation are represented. This study analyzes a controversial cost–benefit analysis for Venice’s flood protection scheme, revealing that the 'commensuration' and standardization facilitated by numerical data depend heavily on the conceptual framing of urban and natural environments. The research traces differing 'styles of calculation,' demonstrating how economic representations intersect with political symbolism and intervention aims, ultimately influencing debates over realism and accuracy in such assessments.
Everyday Life in Fascist Venice, 1929–40
Fascist Venice, 1929–40, reveals how the regime attempted to reshape daily life in Venice through systemic infiltration. The study highlights resistance and adaptation among Venetians, demonstrating that while fascism sought to impose uniformity, local traditions and social dynamics persisted. Ferris' approach combines archival research with oral histories, providing a nuanced view of lived experience under authoritarian rule. This work contributes to understanding the complexities of fascist governance in World Heritage Sites, offering insights into cultural resilience during periods of political upheaval.
Recent subsidence of the Venice Lagoon from continuous GPS and interferometric synthetic aperture radar
Recent research reveals that the Venice Lagoon is experiencing significant subsidence, with northern regions sinking at 2–3 mm/year and southern areas at 3–4 mm/year. Contrary to earlier assumptions, the city of Venice itself continues to subside at 1–2 mm/year, defying past suggestions of stabilization. Using a combination of GPS data from four stations (2001–2011) and InSAR observations from RADARSAT-1 images (2003–2007), the study identifies an eastward tilt in subsidence, with natural geological processes contributing at least 0.4–0.6 mm/year. This high-resolution analysis, precise to 0.1–0.2 mm/year, underscores the need for flood mitigation strategies to account for both local subsidence and rising sea levels.
Addressing Sustainability of Clam Farming in the Venice Lagoon
Clam farming in the Venice Lagoon, while economically significant, poses sustainability challenges due to environmental pressures. The study identifies critical factors threatening its viability, including water quality degradation and ecological imbalances. Researchers employed a multi-disciplinary approach, integrating ecological modeling with socio-economic analysis to assess the long-term impacts of clam aquaculture on lagoon ecosystems. Key findings highlight the need for adaptive management strategies that balance biodiversity conservation with sustainable resource use, emphasizing the importance of stakeholder collaboration in preserving this UNESCO World Heritage Site's unique marine environment.
High Throughput, Multiplexed Pathogen Detection Authenticates Plague Waves in Medieval Venice, Italy
A groundbreaking analysis of dental pulp samples from medieval Venice reveals successive plague waves in the city, where quarantine was first instituted. Using high-throughput, multiplexed real-time PCR, researchers detected DNA from Yersinia pestis, the bacterium responsible for plague, in three samples—two dating to the 14th century and one from the 16th century. Genetic sequencing confirmed these strains belonged to the Orientalis biotype, a highly transmissible form. Additionally, Bartonella quintana, linked to trench fever, was identified in five samples, including those from the 15th and 16th centuries. This study provides the first molecular evidence of repeated plague epidemics in Venice, offering new insights into the historical impact of these diseases on a pivotal European city.
San Marco, Byzantium and the Myths of Venice
A critical examination of the historical and cultural narratives surrounding Venice's Basilica di San Marco reveals its complex origins, challenging long-held myths about its Byzantine influences. The book 'San Marco, Byzantium and the Myths of Venice' deconstructs the basilica's architectural and symbolic significance, arguing that its development was more intricately tied to Venetian identity than previously assumed. Through interdisciplinary analysis—incorporating art history, archaeology, and textual studies—the authors dissect the layers of myth and reality, offering a nuanced understanding of how Venice constructed its own historical legacy.
Seeing is Believing: Urban Gossip and the Balcony in Early Modern Venice
Balconies in early modern Venice served as social hubs where residents, particularly those of high status, could observe public events while being exposed to public scrutiny and gossip. This dual role—offering visibility without anonymity—was influenced by their liminal position between private and public spaces. The study, based on architectural, artistic, theatrical records, and magistracy documents, reveals that men were more likely to use balconies outside working hours, while women also frequented them. Additionally, the proximity of balconies to canals facilitated illicit activities. High-status individuals typically appeared only for special occasions, underscoring the balcony's significance in social dynamics.
The caranto paleosol and its role in the early urbanization of Venice
A buried calcic paleosol, known as 'caranto,' has been identified as a crucial substrate for Venice's early urbanization and building foundations. This subsurface layer, formed during the Late Glacial period, exhibits high compressive and shear strength, supporting structures dating back to the Gothic era (12th–15th centuries A.D.). The study provides geochemical, sedimentological, paleoecological, and chronological analyses of the caranto paleosol and related deposits based on recent coring of the Venetian Lagoon. These findings offer a historical framework for understanding modern environmental changes in Venice, particularly as rising sea levels threaten the city.
Venice Incognito
Venice Incognito reveals that masking in Venice was not merely about indulgence or escaping identity but served as a subversive response to the city's rigid class hierarchy. Johnson's analysis demonstrates that covering one's face allowed individuals across all social strata—from nobles and clergy to imposters—to blend into society, challenging conventional norms. By examining historical accounts and reconstructing the logic behind masking, both during carnival and outside of it, the study offers a fresh perspective on how identity was constructed in Venetian society. This approach contrasts with earlier interpretations that focused solely on pleasure or forgetfulness, providing deeper insight into the cultural significance of masking in one of Europe's most hierarchical cities.
An application of multicriteria decision making to built heritage. The redevelopment of Venice Arsenale
A novel multicriteria decision-making model has been developed to assess the sustainability of economic reuse projects for historical buildings, specifically applied to Venice's Old Arsenal. This approach integrates three macro-indicators—intrinsic sustainability, context sustainability, and economic-financial feasibility—to evaluate the viability of redevelopment strategies. The model was validated by a panel of experts and tested on two hypothetical scenarios, offering a structured framework for balancing heritage preservation with modern economic needs in UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Venice.
Anthropogenic Venice uplift by seawater pumping into a heterogeneous aquifer system
A novel anthropogenic uplift project in Venice, involving seawater injection into a deep brackish aquifer, demonstrates that even with heterogeneous hydraulic conductivity (K), the city's ground surface uplift remains significantly more uniform than historical or current deformation levels. Using Monte Carlo simulations and finite element modeling, researchers found that the maximum horizontal gradient of uplift (ρz) is 2–3 times smaller than gradients caused by past groundwater withdrawal in industrial areas and about 20 times less than current critical thresholds for multifloor masonry buildings. This study highlights the smoothing effect of overburden on uneven expansion, providing a more realistic assessment of uplift uniformity under variable K conditions.
Biomarker responses and contamination levels in the clam Ruditapes philippinarum for biomonitoring the Lagoon of Venice (Italy)
A multibiomarker approach revealed consistent contamination levels across the Lagoon of Venice, though specific pollutant classes varied by site. The study used clams (Ruditapes philippinarum) from eight locations to assess exposure to neurotoxic and estrogenic compounds, as well as general stress conditions. Biomarkers such as haemocyte count, lysozyme activity, acetylcholinesterase, vitellogenin-like protein levels, and survival-in-air were analyzed alongside chemical measurements of PCBs, PAHs, DDT metabolites, HCB, and HCH. Palude del Monte emerged as a high-risk area for clam culture due to notable contamination. This integrated method proved effective for biomonitoring the lagoon's environmental health.
Changes in Venice Lagoon dynamics due to construction of mobile barriers
The construction of mobile barriers (MoSE project) in the Venice Lagoon has significantly altered its hydrodynamics, with notable shifts in sub-basin dynamics. The Lido sub-basin expanded southward at the expense of the Chioggia sub-basin, while the Malamocco sub-basin's relative position changed without altering its size. These changes were driven by modifications to current velocities and sea-lagoon interactions, including increased outflow jet speeds (up to 1 m/s) and altered micro-circulation patterns near breakwaters. While the Lido sub-basin may benefit from improved water renewal times, these changes pose risks to habitat conservation and infrastructure due to intensified currents. Additionally, the new structures could trap pollutants or suspended sediment in Chioggia and Malamocco inlets.
Gender, Sexuality, and Syphilis in Early Modern Venice
Syphilis, known as the 'French disease' during the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, became deeply embedded in the society, culture, and institutions of early modern Venice. This study reveals how gender dynamics and sexuality played pivotal roles in its widespread transmission and societal impact. By analyzing historical records, medical texts, and cultural narratives, the research provides a nuanced understanding of syphilis's role in shaping Venetian society during this period. The findings highlight the interplay between public health, social norms, and institutional responses, offering insights into the broader consequences of sexually transmitted diseases on early modern communities.
Morphological equilibrium of short channels dissecting the tidal flats of coastal lagoons
Research reveals that tidal channels within coastal lagoons, such as those in Venice's Lagoon, exhibit a consistent morphological equilibrium shaped by tidal amplitude, channel convergence, and critical erosion/deposition velocities. The study derives an analytical solution for the bed profile of these channels, demonstrating that inertia, friction effects, and overtides contribute minor corrections. The findings suggest universal relationships linking channel depth or length to tidal dynamics, with nearly constant-depth channels forming under strong convergence. Additionally, the study confirms a power-law relationship between channel cross-section and tidal prism, aligning theoretical predictions with observed bed configurations in Venice's Lagoon.
Preliminary Studies for the Recovering of the Armstrong, Mitchell & Co. Hydraulic Crane of the Arsenal of Venice
A rare surviving example of 19th-century English engineering, the Armstrong, Mitchell & Co. hydraulic crane at Venice's Arsenal, is being restored to preserve its historical significance. The preliminary study identified critical causes of damage and past interventions, providing a foundation for targeted conservation efforts. This crane, one of the last remaining from its era, represents an important technological milestone and is supported by UNESCO's Venice in Peril Fund. The research combines historical analysis with structural assessment to guide restoration, ensuring the crane's longevity while maintaining its authentic character.
Surface water–groundwater exchange in transitional coastal environments by airborne electromagnetics: The Venice Lagoon example
A novel application of airborne electromagnetics (AEM) reveals critical hydrogeological features in the Venice Lagoon, offering unprecedented insights into saltwater intrusion and freshwater transitions in coastal aquifers. The study demonstrates that AEM, combined with spatially constrained inversion (SCI), can accurately map subsurface processes to depths of 200 meters, distinguishing between salt-saturated and fresher sediments beneath the lagoon floor. This method provides a cost-effective and rapid alternative to traditional techniques, enhancing our understanding of groundwater dynamics in transitional coastal environments worldwide. The findings underscore AEM's potential to improve hydrogeological characterization in lagoons, wetlands, and deltas, which are ecologically and socio-economically vital.
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