RECOVERY AND VALORISATION OF TERRACING AND DRY-STONE WALLS ON THE AMALFI COAST IN THE DETREIT PROJECT: TECHNIQUE AND TRADITION FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

The dry stone walls of the Amalfi Coast represent a precious cultural and landscape heritage that dates back to ancient times and was particularly widespread in the Middle Ages thanks to local artisan expertise. These walls, built without mortar, have facilitated the development of agriculture and the creation of microclimates, and are essential for preserving biodiversity and protecting the soil from erosion. The contribution of these walls to the uniqueness of the coastal landscape and to its recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site is explored in this paper, which examines their history, their construction techniques and the current needs of the communities. The paper presents the first outcomes of the DeTREIT project on the mapping of terraced areas, the methodology applied includes field observations, and GIS-based surveying in order to plan maintenance, restoration and rehabilitation interventions; together with the assessment of the impact of drainage and irrigation systems, with the aim of managing water resources in a sustainable way and ensuring the stability of structures. The importance of dry-stone walls lies in their ability to preserve history, culture and the environment, while providing opportunities for socio-economic development. However, they are threatened by the abandonment of traditional agricultural practices and challenges associated with modernization. Maintenance and restoration demand continuous commitment from communities and institutions. The DeTREIT project represents a significant step towards understanding and enhancing these millennia-old structures, promoting sustainable land use and preserving their unique character.