From Vulnerability to Resilience: Coastal Heritage as Environmental Infrastructure

Abstract

The contribution investigates the key-role of coastal cultural heritage in a strategic approach to address environmental and climatic vulnerabilities in mid-Adriatic coastal areas. The research hypothesis that coastal heritage can act as resilience factor is considered and tested within the framework of the PRIN 2022 COSTA | Med project. Focusing on two case studies along the mid-Adriatic coast of Abruzzo (Pineto-Silvi and Fossacesia-Vasto), it explores the potential of heritage as environmental infrastructure to support adaptive strategies against climate risks. Through a research-by-design approach, the paper combines vulnerability mapping with design strategies, highlighting the regenerative capacity of existing and latent heritage assets. The study aims to outline planning agendas that integrate ecosystem services, socio-spatial dynamics, and infrastructure transformations, fostering resilience in complex land-sea interfaces.