Characterization of Urban and Peri-Urban Areas in Umbria Region to Identify Their Possible Role in the Conservation of Natura 2000 Network

The work presented describes the characterization of urban and peri-urban areas of the Umbria Region to identify a methodology for assessing the relationships between urban systems and the Natura 2000 Network. These activities were carried out as part of the LIFE IMAGINE UMBRIA Integrated Project 2020−2027 to investigate the possible role of these areas in the conservation of habitats and species of community interest. Indeed, urban shapes influence the overall quality of the landscape, the ecosystem functions of environmental systems and the quality of life of local communities. The main objective of this research is to assess correlations between changes in the interface between urbanized and natural areas, recognizing the distribution of settlements to obtain useful classifications and patterns for land use planning. In this context, interpretive and descriptive activities gain particular importance as they lead to a characterization of settlement morphotypes that enable systematization of the forms and relationships between settlement and natural components, contributing to effective planning choices.