BOOK DESCRIPTION
RIPARIA is a concept encompassing the complex environment of watersides and having its semantic roots in the Roman world. It is constructed on the basis of land use patterns and economic activities (colonization, urbanization, exploitation of natural resources). The contributions to this volume present the challenges facing ancient and modern preindustrial societies in managing such areas. They highlight the role of social representations of watersides and their management (risk management, ecosystem services, cultural heritage) as an interface between the natural and the social systems, in view of identifying ethical principles for both the preservation and transformation of these environments, particularly vulnerable to climate change and variations.