ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION IN ABRUZZO BETWEEN IMAGINATION AND REALITY 
Environment has been particularly emphasized in the planning scheme of the Abruzzo region since its establishment, thus laying the foundations for a regional development programme that combines socio-economic growth and environmental protection within a policy of territorial re-balancing. This paper aims at making a comparison between the policy of environmental protection implemented by the Abruzzo Region and built primarily by means of Parks and environmental vulnerability affecting Abruzzo’s territory for a long time and endangering the image and, even more, the very sense of environmental protection, if not tackled. 
Keywords: environmental emergencies, protected areas, territorial planning.