Maria Rita Gisotti, Emanuela Morelli, Fabio Lucchesi

La forma dell’acqua. Riflessioni, studi, strategie per il Contratto di fiume del torrente Pesa

Introduction

La forma dell’acqua. Riflessioni, studi, strategie per il contratto di fiume del torrente pesa. Approfondimento sui Contratti di Fiume per gestione sostenibile corsi d'acqua. Analisi torrente Pesa: strategie resilienza, studi DIDA, contributi multidisciplinari.

Abstract

This special issue of Contesti explores the morphological dimension of watercourses as a revealing element of values, critical issues, and design opportunities, with an approach aimed at pursuing goals of resilience and sustainability. A particularly significant field for testing methodological and content-related innovations in the management of watercourses is that of River Agreements. This special issue presents a reflection on these tools at the national level, and then a specific focus on the River Agreement of the Pesa stream, a tributary of the Arno located between the provinces of Siena and Florence. This River Agreement has been active for ten years and involves around sixty stakeholders, including the Department of Architecture (DIDA) of the University of Florence. The impetus for this special issue stems from the reflections developed within DIDA over the past two years, through research and teaching activities coordinated by the editors. Among the initiatives carried out at DIDA was the organization of the national conference Il parco fluviale multifunzionale dei paesaggi della Pesa. Strategie di fruizione e valorizzazione (Scandicci, 06/02/2024). The articles in this issue derive from the presentations given during the conference and represent the contributions of the various disciplines involved in the development of the Pesa River Agreement.

Review

The special issue "La forma dell’acqua. Riflessioni, studi, strategie per il Contratto di fiume del torrente Pesa" in *Contesti* offers a highly relevant and timely exploration into the morphological dimension of watercourses, framing it as a crucial element for understanding ecological values, critical issues, and design opportunities. The overarching aim to foster resilience and sustainability within riverine landscapes is commendable, aligning with contemporary global challenges in environmental management. By centering its discussion on the innovative framework of River Agreements (Contratti di Fiume), the issue effectively bridges theoretical reflection on national-level strategies with practical, place-based applications, making its insights pertinent to a broader discourse on integrated water resource management. A significant strength of this collection lies in its robust focus on the Pesa stream's River Agreement, a tributary of the Arno, which serves as a compelling and well-established case study. The longevity of this Agreement, active for a decade and engaging approximately sixty diverse stakeholders—including the Department of Architecture (DIDA) of the University of Florence—provides a rich empirical foundation for analysis. The genesis of this special issue from DIDA's two-year research and teaching activities, culminating in a national conference, underscores a strong commitment to academic rigor and practical relevance. The promise of contributions from various disciplines, stemming from the conference presentations, suggests a holistic and interdisciplinary examination of the Pesa's socio-ecological system. This special issue is poised to offer valuable insights for practitioners, policymakers, and researchers engaged in river basin management and participatory environmental governance. The detailed exploration of the Pesa River Agreement's journey, challenges, and successes, combined with a broader reflection on River Agreements at the national level, provides a transferable model for other regions grappling with similar environmental and governance complexities. By showcasing the practical application of resilience and sustainability principles through collaborative frameworks, "La forma dell’acqua" promises to be a significant contribution to the literature, stimulating further research and informing more effective, integrated approaches to river landscape stewardship.

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