Water management and cultural landscape

Abstract

Water as a structuring element and integral part of cultural landscapes is focused. The uneven distribution of water affects the potentiality for the development of human activities in each region. Man-made water landscapes, especially lakes, reservoirs and dams transform pre-existing landscapes and create new spots. Landscapes are dynamic and can be transformed not only by natural causes of cosmic, planetary or local origin,but also by erosion, rain, weather, and by human action, be it intentionally or not, by ignorance or designed. Highlighting the relevance of the water theme in the production of cultural landscapes, examples of how the infrastructure and human interventions alter the natural heritage are brought to light. An approach to water both as resource and as cultural heritage, and the combined use of  water management tools, environmental management and protection of the cultural heritage are proposed.