Collaborative governance for coastal landscape integrated management. The Agro Pontino Coast Contract

The paper investigates the synergies that contractual – collaborative tools build within landscape planning and a wide system of regional governance. The Agro Pontino Coast Contract is discussed as a best practice for touristic governance capable of delivering a multi-level, integrated strategic vision for the sustainable development of coastal landscapes. The Agro Pontino is the result of the “Great Land Reclamation” that in the 1920s has deeply changed the landscape of the area, which is now undergoing a deep transformation due to intensive exploitation for touristic, agriculture and urban proposes. In this context, the Coast Contract aims to oppose the fragmentation of responsibilities and the lack of cooperation between territorial actors by activating synergies and sharing specific solutions for an integrated and responsible management of the coastal landscape that balances natural environment, local culture protection and economic development.