5. Soil loss and naturalistic engineering. Interventions of regulation, consolidation, defence and restoration
Course Objectives
To provide guidelines for the planning, design and implementation of landslide slope consolidation, management of mountain watercourses, restoration, consolidation and protection of degraded coastal dune systems.
Programme
This course includes theoretical lessons aimed at framing the problems and the recognition of the main causes and dynamics of hydrogeological instability and habitat destruction. In this context, there is the technical discipline for the naturalistic restoration, recovery and prevention of disturbances, landslide slopes, areas in erosion and degraded habitats, with reference to the history of natural accommodation and the current opportunities for sustainable intervention, highlighting the constructive and cultural technical value of the naturalistic approach.
Periods and didactic modules will be dedicated to the acquisition of technical skills for the design and practical implementation of environmental restoration activities, through the application of naturalistic engineering techniques. In such fields this matter will be dealt with from a technical point of view, with particular reference to constructive modalities and solutions and to the safety in construction areas. From an ecological point of view, the need to study and deepen knowledge of the ecosystems and habitats involved will be stressed, with particular reference to the botanical knowledge and biotechnical characteristics of the plant species to be used. In this context, habitat regeneration actions are included, involving the identification of species and ecotypes, the collection of propagation material, the production and conservation of planting stock and reintroduction actions.
They will then describe the main works to be realised in the different environments and for the types of interest, emphasising the aspects of post-operam monitoring and maintenance. This activity can be completed with visits to interventions carried out over time in particularly protected areas, such as the Natural Reserves of the State administered by the Carabinieri.
Practical modules can be added to the course, to be organised in schoolyards where, under the guidance of experienced staff and instructors, participants will learn how to work. In this context, an operator training activity is carried out with reference also to the organisational and safety aspects of a natural engineering site.