Between nature and culture: From Italy and the Netherlands new perspectives towards a sustainable use of historical landscapes

The introduction of historical landscapes in the international heritage debate has triggered some new issues, among which the one related to the preservation of coexisting cultural and ecological values. Although preserving such values means dealing with their conflicting trends, finding a balance is, however, a fundamental issue, so that the heritage field can contribute to the global challenge of sustainable development. In relation to this, the Italian and Dutch experiences with the revitalization of military structures represent an interesting observatory in Western Europe, in which the dialectics between cultural and ecological values has been variously addressed according to their different appreciation.Considering this conceptual premise, the paper investigates some recent revitalization projects involving the forts of the Entrenched Field of Mestre (IT) and the New Dutch Waterline (NL), two 19th-century military landscapes embedded in the hydraulic setting of their area of influence. Linking documentary research, interviews and field observations, it highlights the role that an integrated approach to cultural and natural values can play in the promotion of a sustainable use of historical landscapes.