Sustainable Landscape Planning for Cremona, Italy

Sustainable landscape planning at the provincial level is explained through the example of the province of Cremona, Italy. Six topics are addressed. First, the topic of why planning in Italy, in general, and Cremona, more speciÆcally, is important will be addressed. Cremona province is located in northern Italy, where traditionally rural regions are facing expanding urbanization. Second, a background of Italian planning is provided. A 1990 law, in particular, emphasizes provincial-level planning. Third, the history and landscape of Cremona will be described. For most of its history, Cremona has been dominated by agriculture, which is reØected in the landscape. Fourth, the province of Cremona planning process will be summarized. The planning activity began in 1994 and continues to the present. Fifth, the design of a sustainability index is explained. The sustainability index is used to assess how land-use modiÆcations might affect the environment. Finally, the key lessons from the process will be noted. The Cremona provincial plan applies concepts of sustainability to a changing landscape