F E R G U S - O N

“The true journey of discovery does not look for new lands, but has new eyes”.

Marcel Proust

F E R G U S - O N

A knowledge of the territory makes up the first phase. This is obtained through a collection of data in situ whose main topics are:

Phase I - Data collection

ClimatologyEnvironmental geologyWater resourcesPedologyVegetationFaunaReal property

F E R G U S - O N

This phase will imply the creation of:

• a Digital Elevation Model (D.E.M.)

• a Geographic Information System (G.I.S.),

in order to make:

• an Ecologic Map of the Landscape

• a Bio-diversity Map.

Phase II - Data analysis and arrangement of management tools

F E R G U S - O N

The collected data will be useful for the arrangement of a referential structure for the landscape planning via successive inter-linked modelling phases:

• representational models• process models• evaluation models• changing models• impact models• choice models.

F E R G U S - O N

Such analyses will lead to:• a Portofino Knowledge System (P.K.S.)• and, from it, to a Decision Support System

(D.S.S.)

The D.S.S. is a system which will allow the competent public authorities to identify and solve the problems by

taking the most appropriate decisions when dealing with landscape management.

The modelling results are examined according to some evolving cultural sceneries: i.e. an ‘Arcadia-type’ tourism or return to an idyllic state, a ‘Disneyland-type’ tourism or alienated enjoyment of free time, an ‘ecologic-type’ tourism and so on.

F E R G U S - O N

The Decision Support System (D.S.S.) will in specific allow:

• to co-ordinate the production and spread processes of knowledge and information;

• to evaluate the consequences of different actions (simulations);

• to use a learning instrument which will allow communication, interpretation and experimentation, in order to develop coherent solutions with the desired environmental quality;

• to support (rather than substitute) the expressed technical evaluations;

• to improve the quality level of the decision making.

Decision Support System (D.S.S.)

F E R G U S - O N

Phase III - Creation of the EcoCentre and training activities

In this last phase, as well as the knowledge and instrument system, the Foundation has the aim of creating an ‘EcoCentre’:

an operational factor for the entire project, a support and place which will generate innovation, an independent but at the same time inter-linked centre with all the subjects able to pick up the behavioural changing signs dictated by the new millennium.

The aim of the Centre will be to transform the know-how acquired in situ into a stronger environmental sensitivity of the local authorities and communities.

F E R G U S - O N

Phase III - Creation of the EcoCentre and training activities

F E R G U S - O N

Within this phase, the activity of the Fergus Foundation will focus on the training and development of technical-administrative people and of operators in the educational sector, with the aim of:

• spreading the subjects linked to environment education;

• awakening society to the environmental problems of the lived area.

F E R G U S - O N

Expected activities:

• A centre for a confrontation at European level, between experts on eco-economics, able to give information on the convenience of the present model of resource withdrawal.

• The management of forums on specific subjects, ‘the conversations on Portofino’, and of annual meetings of assessment and confrontation between the most advanced European experiences.

• Organised relations with universities, suggesting innovative research lines: from intelligent instrumental monitoring, to bio-monitoring.

F E R G U S - O N

• A laboratory for the preservation, maintenance and valorisation of the bio-diversity (e.g. arboreal archaeology).

• A support for the environmental preservation intervention (e.g. ‘eco-software’).

• The ecologic conversion of the productive activities:

• possible agriculture (a new agricultural landscape);

• re-conversion of tourist activities based on ‘bio-centred’ free time consumption schemes (e.g. ‘bio-watching’).

F E R G U S - O N

The future

F E R G U S - O N

Within Phase II (Data analysis and arrangement of management tools), the following points are still under development:

• Ecologic Landscape Map;• faunal research for the compilation of the Bio-diversities

Map;• census of the agricultural terracing;• photographic investigation for the compilation of a

computerised herbarium;• the web site;• the entire modelling phase.

The completion of the analyses regarding the promontory of the Monte of Portofino and the annexed Sea Preserve, and all Phase III (Creation of the EcoCentre and training activities) still have to be carried out.

What is under development

F E R G U S - O N

The EcoCentre is also an educational place for:• observations of the natural and cultivated

environments (bio-watching);• organised technical-scientific activities;• selected ecologic solutions, as well as for

individualisation of the training paths of new environment professions, for modalities and permanent training techniques integrated by new computerised environmental and telecom technologies (eco-software) which will allow net- work connections and distance-working locations;

• promotion of a holistic approach for environmental problems;

• organisation of conferences and training for the reception of environmental tourism.

Educational role of the EcoCentre

F E R G U S - O N

The following list of maps has already been put into a Geographic Information System (G.I.S.) where the inter- sectorial compatibilities have already been checked:

1. Geologic map2. Hydro-geologic map3. Morphologic map4. Lithologic map5. Map of fractures6. Map of geologic sections7. Map of hydrogeographic grid8. Pedologic map9. Map of vegetable associations

Volume “Phytocoenosis and Map of Vegetation of the Promontorio of Portofino”

10. Map of the fauna

Accomplished activities / Documents

F E R G U S - O N

(follow up of Geographic Information System - G.I.S.)11. Map of land use (year 1936) 12. Map of land use (year 1954)13. Map of land use (year 1974)14. Map of land use (year 1991)15. Map of present land use (year 2000)16. Maps of fire17. Maps of bounds18. Map of roads, buildings and of excursion itineraries of

historical interestDigital Elevation Model19. D.E.M. - Map of exposures20. D.E.M. - Map of gradients21. D.E.M. - Map of elevations and bathymetry22. D.E.M. - Map of irradiation23. Map of analytic-perceptive photographic investigation

Accomplished activities / Documents

F E R G U S - O NAccomplished activities / DocumentsBook “Phytocoenosis and vegetation map of the Promontorio of Portofino”

F E R G U S - O N

A27: Example of ‘cultivated land', located in the upper west side of Valle Vescini.

Accomplished activities / Documents23. Map of analytic-perceptive photographic investigation

F E R G U S - O N

B49: Outcrop of Portofino Conglomerate in Punta Chiappa: the bedding planes, immersed towards SE, are evident because exposed by marine erosion.

Accomplished activities / Documents23. Map of analytic-perceptive photographic investigation

F E R G U S - O N

B77: Resort Pietre Strette, characterised by blocks of Portofino Conglomerate tectonic disjointed and shaped by meteorological agents.

Accomplished activities / Documents23. Map of analytic-perceptive photographic investigation

F E R G U S - O N

C19: West side of Seno of San Fruttuoso. Rather evident is the monocline structure of the Portofino Conglomerate interrupted and disordered by a set of normal parallel faults facing NW-SE circa.

Accomplished activities / Documents23. Map of analytic-perceptive photographic investigation

F E R G U S - O N

E23: Complex folded structures in the Calcari of Monte Antola exposed in the side between Castellaro of Camogli and San Rocco.

E24: Niche of detachment and accumulation of

recent landslide of bedding type, placed at level with the anticline, and laying

below Castellaro of Camogli.

Accomplished activities / Documents23. Map of analytic-perceptive photographic investigation