Il governo urbano dell'acqua. Ecologia politica ed evoluzione socio-ecologica delle reti idriche di Milano

Abstract

The governance of urban waters. Political Ecology and the socio-ecological evolution of water networks in Milan Through a historical excursus, the study analyzes the use, relationship, and relative impact of water resources in the process of urban development in the Milan area. Taking as a theoretical reference the concepts of Urban Political Ecology (Heynen et al., 2006), the article emphasizes the socio-ecological change related to the ‘domestication’ of water as a de-socializing practice and its management as a highly conflictual process, as an expression of political-economic choices, ideologies, and social fantasies. Finally, the longstanding issue of the flooding of the Seveso River and the reopening of the canals is referred to as an example of governance related to a particular idea of territorial development and water management. The ultimate effect is to create ‘winners and losers’ in the appropriation and management of nature.