Studio multidisciplinare finalizzato alla riqualificazione ambientale della valle del Rio della Rocca (Comune di Castellarano, Provincia di Reggio Emilia)

Since the mid-1950s the small catchment of Rio della Rocca, in the municipality of Castellarano (northern Italy), has been affected by quarrying activities which in some places have deeply changed its environmental and, in particular, geomorphological features. Considering the high scenic and environmental value of the study area, multidisciplinary investigations concerning the main geological, botanical and faunistic aspects were carried out in order to plan the environmental upgrading of the whole valley. Specific attention was given to assessing slope instability and identifying the geosites of the area. On the basis of the results attained, proposals of territorial upgrading have been developed which take into account also appraisal measures for geotourism and recreational purposes.