Vulnerability and resilience of Mediterranean protected small islands: a comparative analysis of the cross-border region Interreg Marittimo (Italy/France)

This article presents the results of a study conducted in collaboration with the Marine Protected Area of Bergeggi Island, located on the Western Ligurian Riviera (Italy). The research investigates the vulnerability and resilience of a small Mediterranean island, protected both terrestrially and marinely, in light of recent proposals to open it to tourism. Given the island’s ecological sensitivity and current inaccessibility, this transition requires a careful assessment of potential risks and sustainable development strategies. The methodology combined a participatory focus group involving local stakeholders – aimed at capturing perceptions of vulnerability and resilience – with a comparative benchmarking analysis of similar protected islands across the Interreg Marittimo cross-border region (Italy/France). The analysis evaluated multiple dimensions of protected area governance, including accessibility, biodiversity conservation, management capacity, funding, and web presence. Results highlight the complexity of managing small island ecosystems where environmental protection, tourism pressures, and fragmented governance intersect. The study emphasizes the importance of participatory approaches and integrated management frameworks to enhance the adaptive capacity of protected islands in the Mediterranean.