Analisi delle caratteristiche ambientali del torrente Rio Freddo, sito di importanza comunitaria.

Research has been carried out with the aim of evaluaiing the health, condition and function of the Rio Freddo stream, an environment that together with the caves ofthe region symbolize the 'Parco del Monte Cucco '. From the analysis of the resulting information, it is clear that the Rio Freddo stream has good chemical and bacteriotogical characteristics. However, the effects of tourism exen a pressure on the sewage treatment provision that is located at the source of the Rio Freddo. The stream does not have a regular flow throughout the year, especial/y during the summer periodo This makes il inadequate to deal with the ejJ1uence produced by the number of tourists that visit the area and makes the environment extremely vulnerable. In fine with the principle of sustainable development, supportive action needs to be undertaken that combines exploiting the natural resources of the area with its economie development by promoting suitable plans for its management based on the principle of ecological/y maintainable tourism.