Geoheritage map of the Portofino Natural Park (Italy)

Abstract

This paper introduces a novel geoheritage map of the Portofino Natural Park. The park is an internationally well-known area, protected since 1935, located in the Ligurian Apennines, 25 km E of Genoa. It has 80 km of hiking trails which are used by visitors all year around. The map was produced by combining geological and geomorphological data, geoheritage elements and data from hiking and tourist maps. It is intended to be a base map from which can be derived applied maps. With appropriate integrations and simplifications, these can be useful tools for the management of highly frequented protected areas. The methodological approach involved aerial photo interpretation, bibliographical research, field work and the use of data from the Park archives. The original base map was produced by using a Digital Terrain Model raster (5 m) and vector layers for the different cartographical elements.

Implementation of Nature-Based Solutions for Hydro-Meteorological Risk Reduction in Small Mediterranean Catchments: The Case of Portofino Natural Regional Park, Italy

“…With respect to the landscape and cultural values, Law 1251 has protected the Promontory of Portofino since 1935. Since 1995, this area has been managed by the park authority established by Regional Law 12/95, and the boundaries of the protected area have been redefined by Regional Law 29/2001 [14].…”

“…The first human settlements in the area date back to Roman times. In the Middle Age, several important religious buildings were constructed (e.g., San Fruttuoso), connected by historical trails that are still in use today [13,14]. The recent census shows an estimated population of about 750 inhabitants.…”

“…Within the RECONECT project, demonstration activities will be carried out in the following three catchments: two San Fruttuoso catchments (Rio dei Fontanini and Vallone di San Fruttuoso) and a Paraggi catchment (Fosso dell'Acqua Viva) (see Figure 2A). The three small catchments of the case study area, due to its morphometric asset [14,15], are characterized by the presence of a stream network with high slopes and irregular discharges. Within the streams of the Rio dei Fontanini and Vallone di San Fruttuoso catchments, a more considerable discharge can be observed only during and after rainfall events, while in the Fosso dell'Acqua Viva stream, there is always a more prominent discharge (see Table 1).…”

“…A geomorphological map of the Portofino Promontory: (1) alluvial deposit; (2) debris cover; (3) conglomerates with sandstone layers; (4) marly limestones, clayed marls, and marls; (5) hydrographical network; (6) downcutting talweg; (7) degradation scarp; (8) landslide scarp; (9) cliff; (10) active landslide; (11) inactive landslide;(12) fault; (13) presumed fault;(14) culvert; (15) Portofino Natural Regional Park boundary (map obtained from data survey and data integration of[20][21][22]26]). (A) mountain slope deformation.…”

Terraced Landscapes on Portofino Promontory (Italy): Identification, Geo-Hydrological Hazard and Management

“…The scope of our research has been identifying and mapping dry stone wall terraces in an area that has been modified by human action from, at least, the Middle Ages [8,23] period and evaluating the spatial relationships with the possible risk-exposed elements. The Monte di Portofino promontory is famous both for its landscape and its high natural value, attracting more than 1 million between tourists and hikers per year [45,46]. The territory has been strongly modified in the recent 50/70 years: the prevailing agricultural land was devoted to the cultivation of olive trees and wine until the half of the XX century, when it was gradually replaced by tourism [8,23].…”