Revaluating CUNA Places (CUltural Place of High Relevance for NAture): Rome as a Multifaced Example of Outstanding Values and Potentials

Giulia Caneva, Zohreh Hosseini (), Flavia Bartoli, Giulia Capotorti, Fabio Attorre and Carlo Blasi
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Giulia Caneva: Science Department, University of Roma Tre, 00146 Rome, Italy
Zohreh Hosseini: Science Department, University of Roma Tre, 00146 Rome, Italy
Flavia Bartoli: Research National Council, 00010 Rome, Italy
Giulia Capotorti: Department of Environmental Biology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
Fabio Attorre: Interuniversity Research Center “Biodiversity, Ecosystem Services and Sustainability” (CIRBISES), Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
Carlo Blasi: Interuniversity Research Center “Biodiversity, Ecosystem Services and Sustainability” (CIRBISES), Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy

Land, 2025, vol. 14, issue 2, 1-25

Abstract: The Global Frameworks for Enhancing Natural and Cultural Capital, as expressed in the Charter of Rome (2014), have relevant importance in the broader context of sustainable development goals (SDGs). The intricate connection between cultural and natural heritage emerges in various documents from UNESCO, IUCN, and ICOMOS; however, the categories and methods for their assessment are not completely defined. Evolving from the concept of “mixed properties” used in the UNESCO definitions, we introduce the concept of CUNA places: cultural places of high relevance for nature. It provides a methodological tool for identifying and typifying these places based on their values, attributes, and significance. Then, we propose definitions and categories for three different CUNA typologies, comprising 16 categories, considering both tangible and intangible heritage. We also provide a preliminary application to the city of Rome, where a rich historical heritage intersects with outstanding natural values. All the typologies and categories of CUNA places are present in Rome, and further analysis could show the multifaced aspects represented here. On a broader scale, such an application offers the opportunity to enhance the heritages that could be valorized, strengthening the territorial identity, promoting sustainable development, and generating income for conservation efforts.

Keywords: cultural heritage; natural heritage; immaterial heritage; cultural valorization; historic gardens; sacred groves; iconic places; cultural landscape (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q15 Q2 Q24 Q28 Q5 R14 R52 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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