Protected area planning, institution and management in apulia region:The lama san giorgio nature regional park

Abstract

The main objective of the preliminary plan for the Institution of the Lama San Giorgio Park in Apulia was to integrate the karst channel, locally known as Lama, into park planning processes. Indeed, of the possible areas of study, the Lama catchment area appeared to be most consistent with the functions of karst valleys, which is not only of a hydraulic nature but also concerns the landscape and settlement systems. Furthermore, the Lama catchment basin preserves the physical connection and ecological connectivity of the park to the southeast of the Bari Valley. This was the base to develop both the area knowledge framework and the institutional context to be implemented in the governance of the local communities within the basin and the institutionalised phases of the Regional Conferences at the Parks Office (2005-2007). However, some 5 years have passed since that stage and the definitive institution of the park, which has in the meantime been extended to include the nearby Lama Giotta area, is still awaited.