It is stated that normalized scores close to 1 correspond to good
conditions of the indexes while values close to 0 highlight bad
conditions. Then, it is estimated the total scores of ecological and
socio-economic values dividing the collective score of these parameters
by the total possible one. At last, the obtained data are
plotted graphically in a diagram where the coastal zone studied is
represented by a point in a bi-dimensional space (Fig. 4). In the
graph, the x-coordinates show the potential development of the
area while the y-coordinates point out its conservation value.
Likewise, the NeP diagonal becomes a conservation/development
ratio while the OeQ one represents its conflict gradient. So, in the
diagram, the point position shows the development or the conservation
potential of the coastal region. Indeed, points closer to
the upper left corner would have a natural vocation for conservation
actions while points closer to the lower right one would be
suitable for human development. In particular, in the central part
of the diagram, there is a conflict zone between potentials for
development and/or conservation. So, this matrix enables to look
after conservation or development potentials of coastal area
because the unit position in the diagram can change with time
showing the evolution of the seaboard system towards conservation
or development states. However, each littoral zone needs
specific options in coastalmanagement and, therefore, different FA
applications dealing with various aquatic environments. In this
paper, it has been developed a specific FA for a coastal zone,
located in a wilderness area, connecting two Sites of Community
Interest (SIC) belonging to marine and terrestrial environments
and linked by the ecological corridor of Verri stream basin. It has
been applied this methodological framework evaluating specific
indicators relevant to the studied area using, only, parameters
representative for the coastal environment of the Marine Regional
Park “Scogli di Isca”. These numerical indices have been, particularly,
fit to assess both environmental quality and development
potential of an area characterized by high levels of conservation.
The complex reality of this coastal region has been divided in four
different ways distinguished in environmental and human components,
their characteristics, the relative indicators and the final
values. The scores of all indicators have been assigned into a
quality scale ranging from 1 to 3 for each one by a scoring and
weighting system, 1 and 3 being the lowest and highest values,
respectively (Table 1). From this table have been selected the main
environmental and human drivers that affect, more than others,
the potential values of conservation and development represented
in Fig. 4. Amongst the indicators, summarized in Table 1, are
particularly important, for a correct coastal management of the
studied area, the following parameters with their possible effects
on coastal system: