Atlas of coastal habitats of the Lazio Region

The Atlas describing the variety and variability of coastal dune habitats in the Lazio Region has a dual function: a) on the one hand it can help technicians and professionals involved in the planning, management and conservation of coastal environments; b) on the other hand, the dissemination of knowledge and data can help the general public to learn more about the high ecological and landscape value of dune ecosystems, which is necessary for conservation efforts to be truly effective. In fact, along most of the Italian coasts, the changes that have occurred on the territory have led to the alteration, rarefaction or disappearance of entire plant communities and, consequently, the local extinction of typical species. These plant species, known as psammophiles, are highly specialised and closely linked to the coastal environment; They are therefore particularly vulnerable to extinction. In this context, in-depth knowledge and monitoring of coastal flora and habitats become priority actions for the conservation of biodiversity.