Emerged lands
Index
The emerged lands of the Venetian Lagoon form a complex mosaic of environments shaped by the interplay of natural processes and human activity. They include both major and minor islands with urban, agricultural and natural areas, all of which play a crucial role in the ecological balance and in the social and economic life of the lagoon.
From a natural perspective, the emerged lands host habitats of high ecological value. The less disturbed areas, such as abandoned islands, are characterised by spontaneous vegetation and distinctive ecosystems. Here salt-tolerant grasslands, shrublands and groves of tamarisk, poplar and willow provide shelter for many species of birds, amphibians and small mammals. These habitats play a vital role in safeguarding lagoon biodiversity, as they help maintain ecological balance and mitigate the effects of erosion and tides.
Over the centuries, people have contributed not only to the creation of these areas through land reclamation, embankments and infilling that gradually reduced tidal influence, but also to their transformation, adapting them to their own needs. Venice and the other inhabited islands of the lagoon, such as Murano,
Burano and Torcello, are examples of settlements built in harmony with their environment, using unique construction techniques. These lagoon cities developed on intricate systems of wooden piles and stone foundations, with a dense network of canals, bridges and alleyways shaping their urban fabric. Today, however, subsidence, sea-level rise, urban expansion, shoreline erosion and boat traffic are placing increasing pressure on the stability of these lands, heightening their vulnerability to exceptional tides.
For centuries, communities have defended these areas from the water with protective systems such as reinforced embankments, breakwaters and mobile barriers.
At the same time, the abandonment of some islands and the decline of traditional farming and activities have led to the gradual loss of historic landscapes and the spread of uncultivated land.
The main challenge now is to maintain a balance between conservation and development, protecting the emerged lands from human pressure and climate change while safeguarding their ecological and cultural value.