A Multi-Criteria Methodology Oriented to the Preservation of the Coastal Areas Landscape.

Abstract: - The study aims to understand the relationship between the social-economic system, with particular reference to tourism, and the preservation of nature in the Italian coastal areas, connected to the landscape quality objectives. For this purpose, the study develops a multi-criterial methodology and it enables to summarize interaction modes between the investigated phenomena, using GIS technologies and the Canonical Correlation Analysis, implemented by the Authors in their L.a.co.s.t.a. Laboratory (Laboratory for Activities Connected with Territorial and Environmental Development) in order to develop an innovative spatial analysis methodology that take into account all territory characteristics and all spatial information types for the New Landscape Regional Plan for the Molise Region in the South of Italy. The analysis revealed a high environmental vulnerability due to the strong seasonality of tourism, with negative consequences on soil, biodiversity, water and energy resources.