The buffer zone of the «Historic Centre of Florence» UNESCO World Heritage Site

The scientific study carried out by the research group of the University of Florence and the various stages of sharing and comparison between the concerned authorities of the municipalities of Florence, Bagno a Ripoli, Fiesole, Sesto Fiorentino, in the proceedings, led to the proposal and final approval of the buffer zone for the “Historic Centre of Florence” UNESCO site. The buffer zone is that additional level of protection around the property, inscribed in the List, functional to the preservation of its Outstanding Universal Value; we might define the buffer zones as an area around the core zone designed to safeguard and to ensure the integrity of the site, its scenic frame and the main views from and towards the property to be safeguarded. The buffer zone for the Historic Centre of Florence was approved by the World Heritage Committee the 6th July 2015, on the 39th session (Bonn, 2015) with Decision 39 COM 8B.44. The research activities led to refining a critical survey methodology, providing adequate knowledge and project management tools for managing the buffer zone of the UNESCO site. In addition data on the main panoramic viewpoints was collected, supplying a model for cataloguing landscape assets of historical, cultural or aesthetic importance.