Territorial risk and vulnerability: planning tools at municipal scale

Abstract

This paper explores the relationship between territorial planning and risk management, drawing on findings from the Quater-Interreg IIIB research project. The study emphasises the importance of territorial knowledge and the role of planning in mitigating risks such as floods, landslides, and other natural and anthropogenic hazards. A method was developed to help municipalities evaluate both short- and long-term decisions for transforming risky land into secure territory, with particular focus on reducing vulnerability components. Case studies from Toscolano Maderno and Seriate (Italy) illustrate how planning tools can be integrated with emergency plans and aligned with existing regional legislation, such as Lombardy’s 12/2005 Act. The paper argues that rather than creating new tools, enhancing existing planning instruments with territorial knowledge is more effective for mitigation, prevention, and response. Planners are seen as crucial actors in the recovery phase, particularly in fostering resilience and building safer, adaptive cities.