Integrating Land-River Interactions in the Marzenego River Contract.
A relational approach to water governance
Authors
MSc. Sofia BESCHI, Department of Architecture and Arts, Università Iuav di Venezia, Italy,
Dr. Filippo MAGNI, Department of Architecture and Arts, Università Iuav di Venezia,
Abstract
Contemporary approaches to river management remain hindered by sectoral fragmentation, insufficient
spatial integration, and a persistent separation between land and water governance. Consequently,
existing frameworks often fail to adequately address the complex and interdependent environmental,
social, and economic challenges posed by river systems.
This study explores the operational potential of the land-river interaction framework as an analytical
tool to integrate fluvial systems within planning processes. By explicitly clarifying spatial and functional
connections between terrestrial and fluvial components, the framework aims to enhance the
effectiveness of planning instruments for adaptive and integrated management grounded in a
socioecological perspective.
The methodology is applied to the Marzenego River in northeastern Italy, characterized by
heterogeneous territorial configurations and significant anthropogenic pressures. The case study
provides insights into the spatial dimension of land-river interactions and supports ongoing local
participatory initiatives, such as the River Contract.
The study aims at demonstrating that incorporating land-river interactions enables the identification of
latent territorial structures, spatial patterns, and immaterial relations frequently overlooked by
conventional sectoral planning.
Findings show that this approach supports spatially explicit and context-sensitive interventions that
address multifaceted territorial challenges.Ultimately, it contributes to embedding fluvial systems within
comprehensive governance frameworks to promote environmental sustainability, social resilience, and
adaptive capacity.
Keywords
Integrated water management, land-river interactions, river contract, spatial planning
