(ANSA) - ROME, MAY 25 - Every year in Italy 5 km of natural coast have been lost in the last 20 years, due to the construction of new artificial structures: a measure that is equivalent to the entire coast of a seaside resort like Fregene.
The artificialization is even more relevant in the areas behind the beaches, where every year coastal dunes, cultivated land, vegetation and natural formations are replaced by over 10 km of anthropic works.
This was revealed by the update of the "Linea di Costa Italiana" database presented today.
Ispra has been carrying out analysis of the Italian coasts for 20 years.
The Italian coast line measures approximately 8,300 km, of which 13% is occupied by artificial works such as ports, coastal defense works, hydraulic works of industrial plants, artificial structures to support bathing.
Over the past 20 years, the artificial coast has increased overall by more than 100 km.
A parallel discourse concerns the interface between the beaches and the surrounding area.
Overall, the beach line measures approximately 4,000 km, of which only half remain natural, while over 20% is completely occupied by artificial works, such as road infrastructures, homes, beaches, production sites.
The increase in this case has been over 200 km in the last 20 years.
The remaining 30% is characterized as "scattered urban", therefore partially and discontinuously occupied by anthropic works.
(HANDLE).