The Sicilian system of Protected Areas – Integrated planning and management policies for protected areas

Abstract

Currently the Sicilian system of protected areas appears to be extremely advanced with its 12% of territory protected by regional regulations versus the nationwide average of 11%, but it is also the most contradictory one. Even today a large number of protected areas- also small ones - are subject to strong anthropogenic pressure, which favor fragmentation. In this paper we will analyze what kinds of anthropogenic pressure exist in Sicily and what could be a new perspective for protected areas