Italy in the Danube Geography: Territory, Landscape, Environment, Vegetation, Fauna, Culture, Human Management and Outlooks for the Future

Abstract

Four of the waterways that flow into the Danube have their source in Italian localities: in Lombardia Region (Valtellina, in the Valle di Livigno), Trentino-Alto Adige Region (Val Pusteria and Val Venosta), and the Friuli-Venezia Giulia Region (Tarvisiano, in the Val Canale). In all, it is estimated that almost 565 km2 of Italy lies within the hydrographic (catchment) basin of the Danube, corresponding to 0.15% of the total Danube basin. Livigno and Venosta are the most continental valleys, as demonstrated by the strong presence of Pinus cembra and Larix decidua. The upper Drava valley is still of the continental type, but manifesting a lower degree of continentality, due to moist air currents from the lower part of the Valley, as seen by the presence of Abies alba and Picea abies. Finally, the Val Canale, with oceanic characteristics as demonstrated by the widespread presence of Fagus sylvatica and Abies alba.