Val di Cornia is an area within the Cornia River Mediterranean watershed in central Tuscany (Italy). The demosite area is of about 600 Km2. Groundwater, the main source of water in the area, has been overexploited since the 60s of the last century. During the last 5 years a community-based effort has been trying reverting such process by setting in practice nature-based solutions centred on the Cornia River. River restoration morphological works have been performed since 2017 in order to reconnect the river to the alluvial plain and regenerate riverine habitats, while at the same time, increasing aquifer recharge. Furthermore, a pilot infiltration basin Managed Aquifer Recharge scheme (Figure 2) started its operation in 2018 providing, during the recharge period, riverine wetland habitats mimicking cut meanders environments. All the technical works have been complemented by a two years long participatory process leading to the signature of The Cornia River Contract.
Fresh water: Ecosystems play a vital role in the global hydrological cycle, as they regulate the flow and purification of water. Vegetation and forests influence the quantity of water available locally.
Waste-water treatment: Ecosystems such as wetlands filter both human and animal waste and act as a natural buffer to the surrounding environment. Through the biological activity of microorganisms in the soil, most waste is broken down. Thereby pathogens (disease causing microbes) are eliminated, and the level of nutrients and pollution is reduced.
PPT(mm/yr): 1.0
T(ºc): 22.0
Elevation of demosite: | meters above sea level |
Humidity: | Semiparched |
PETr (by year): | 13.0 |
Water is a distinctive element in the area. It is the main engine for the local rural economy. However, the area is set in potentially scarcity conditions, and geogenic alteration of groundwater quality complicates water resources management – giving rise to conflicts for water use. A wide range of waterworks were built in the last 50 years, and recently, to achieve sustainable water management.
The Orti Bottagone area is a WWF Oasis on the Follonica Gulf, a precious legacy of the past extensive coastal swamps of the lower Val di Cornia, which most disappeared as a result of land reclamation. The Oasis, 126 ha, is a RAMSAR area in the Municipality of Piombino. The Oasis is home for a large variety of birds among which flamingos. Maintenance of surface water and groundwater dependent ecosystems and biodiversity losses is an issue.
Social ecohydrological system
EH Objectives
EH Methodology
Catchment Ecohydrological sub-system
Objectives
Stakeholders
Catchment Sociological sub-system
Activities