1. General information Location and description of the intervention City or FUA Cagliari (FUA) Region Europe Native title of the NBS intervention Piazza degli Arcipelaghi Short description of the intervention The project to redevelop Archipelagos Square in Cagliari aims to transform this key urban space, which serves as a gateway between the city and its coastal areas, into a more functional and aesthetically pleasing environment. Currently, the area lacks cohesive design, leading to unregulated use and its transformation into an informal parking lot. The redevelopment will address these issues by enhancing the pedestrian experience and reducing vehicular traffic. Improvements in public comfort and safety will include better rainwater drainage, the removal of architectural barriers, and the creation of accessible pathways for all. This project emphasizes environmental sustainability and the preservation of the local landscape. Key interventions include revitalizing green spaces, safeguarding native vegetation, and removing invasive species. Integrating walking and cycling paths will improve connectivity between the city, Marina Piccola, and Poetto beach, fostering outdoor recreational activities. A designated eco-system filter will recreate the natural dune environment, blending pedestrian areas with the surrounding landscape. Funded by the Fondo Sviluppo e Coesione (FSC), the project has a total budget of 3 million euros, with construction lasting 10 months starting in October 2023. The redevelopment reflects the broader goals of Cagliari’s administration to promote sustainable urban mobility and improve the public realm, contributing to the city's vision of becoming a hub for nautical sports while enhancing the overall quality of life for residents and visitors (Refs. 1, 2, 3 & 4). Website of the intervention https://www.comune.cagliari.it/portale/page/it/cagliari_rivela_il_futuro_di_pia… Principal problems Environmental Degradation Invasive alien species Soil degradation and loss Land use and Socio-economic change Rapid urbanization Health, Well-being and Social cohesion Loss of sense of place and identity Implementation area characterization Climate Temperate ( Humid subtropical, Hot-summer Mediterranean, Warm-summer Mediterranean, Warm-temperate with dry winter) Ecosystem Sandy coastal ecosystems (including beaches and dunes) Urban or built environment Location The NBS is situated in an area, with clear delineation of boundaries and a specific shape (polygon). The NBS project can also have more than one area location (more than one polygon, situated close by). Area boundary (map-based) NBS area image Source of NBS area image https://www.google.com/maps/place/Piazza+degli+Arcipelaghi,+09126+Cagliari+CA,+Italia/@39.1944468,9.1566256,221m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m6!3m5!1s0x12e7336e1410a175:0xcdce83a6bb56cc62!8m2!3d39.1944846!4d9.1574592!16s%2Fg%2F1ptvrx250?authuser=0&entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI0MDkxMC4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D Total area 6620.00m² NBS area 6620.00m² Area description Urban (main city) Seascape Type of area before implementation of the NBS Roads / Roadsides Sea coast (e.g. dunes, beach) Timeline of intervention Start date of the intervention (planning process) 2021 Start date of intervention (implementation process) 2023 End date of the intervention 2024 Present stage of the intervention Ongoing 2. Objectives of the intervention Objectives of the intervention Goals of the intervention To create a green corridor that protects and enhances the area’s natural environment by integrating ecological design principles. To implement engineering solutions that respect the local landscape, including soil improvements, preservation of existing green spaces, and removal of invasive plant species to strengthen biodiversity. To improve storm water management and increase resilience against floods To establish new green areas as buffer zones, creating an eco-system filter that transitions between pedestrian spaces and coastal dunes, featuring native plant species to reinforce ecological balance. To prioritize accessibility and inclusivity in the new design, ensuring all users, including those with physical disabilities, have unhindered access to the space. To enhance mobility for vulnerable groups by incorporating wheelchair-friendly pathways, tactile guides for the visually impaired, and protected crossings. To promote social interaction by introducing pedestrian zones, bicycle paths, and seating areas that serve the social needs of residents, tourists, and visitors. (Refs. 1, 2, 3 & 4) Key Priorities Biodiversity (conservation and/or restoration) Social Justice and community Sustainability challenge(s) addressed Coastal resilience and marine protection (SDG 14) Coastal protection / hazard mitigation Environmental quality Soil quality improvement Green space, habitats and biodiversity (SDG 15) Green space creation and/or management Habitat and biodiversity conservation Regeneration, land-use and urban development Regulation of built environment Promote natural styles of landscape design for urban development Water management (SDG 6) Flood protection Stormwater and rainfall management and storage Social justice, cohesion and equity (SDG 10) Social justice and equity Social interaction Habitats and biodiversity conservation: What types of conservation goals are / were defined for the NBS intervention? Species-focused Ecosystem-focused Habitats and biodiversity conservation: What activities are implemented to realize the conservation goals and targets? Protect and enhance urban habitats Preserve and strengthen existing habitats and ecosystems Reduce negative impacts and avoid the alteration/damage of ecosystem Protect species Undertake specific measures to protect species Undertake specific measures to protect native species Control and clean invasive alien species Implementation activities and NBS focus Implementation activities The redevelopment project for Archipelagos Square in Cagliari, which started in October 2023, includes a redesign of the traffic flow and pedestrian areas. This involves reorganizing vehicular access through a restricted traffic zone (ZTL) that limits car traffic to residents and business operators. The expansion of pedestrian areas will create a more inviting environment, particularly around the coast and Marina Piccola. To improve drainage and prevent flooding, a permeable road with a grass surface will be installed, and trees will be planted to separate the walking area from the street. Additionally, new pathways for cyclists and runners will be constructed, culminating at Piazza degli Arcipelaghi. These pathways will feature colored resin surfacing that aligns with the adjacent promenade, along with the installation of bicycle parking facilities to promote sustainable transportation options. In terms of environmental enhancements, the project will preserve existing trees while removing invasive plant species to encourage biodiversity. New green zones will be introduced as ecological buffers to create a natural transition between pedestrian areas and the coastal dunes. Urban furniture, including benches, shaded seating areas, bike racks, and waste bins, will be carefully integrated into the landscape to enhance both functionality and aesthetics (Refs. 1, 2, 3 & 4). Type of NBS project Creation of new green areas Creation of green corridors (including connectivity between urban and rural ecosystems) Coastal landscape management or protection Coastal ecosystems restoration and maintenance (mangroves, dunes, saltplains, underwater meadows) Improving coastal resilience Ecological restoration of ecosystems Soil remediation and revegetation Remediation activities of sites with very poor environmental quality Protection of natural ecosystems Habitat conservation 3. NBS domains, ES and scale NBS domain and interventions Ecological domain(s) where the NBS intervention(s) is/are implemented Grey infrastructure featuring greens Alley or street trees and other street vegetation Parks and urban forests Green corridors and green belts Amenities offered by the NBS Benches and drinking water stations Other Please specify other amenities offered by the NBS bike and running path. (Refs. 2 & 3) Design elements for well-being Visual elements (e.g., expansive views, scenic views, natural light, diverse vegetation) Tactile elements (e.g., natural materials like wood or stone, exposure to sunlight) Services Expected ecosystem services delivered Regulating services Coastal protection Flood regulation Mediation of smell / noise / visual impacts Habitat and supporting services Habitats for species Cultural services Aesthetic appreciation Social and community interactions Scale Spatial scale Sub-microscale: Street scale (including buildings) Beneficiaries Demographics in implementation area The Poetto - Meddau su Cramu Neighborhood had, in 2022, 1,104 inhabitants (around 0.73% of the total population of Cagliari); therefore, it is a quite small neighborhood in Cagliari. The average age is around 50 years old, which is distributed in different age groups as follows: 1. 0-14: 89 (8%) 2. 15-64: 699 (63%) 3. over 65: 316 (29%) The neighborhood is not particularly characterized by emigration or immigration flows, in fact, the foreign population counts just 3.5% of its total population. Most of the foreigners in the area come from Ukraine, Kyrgyzstan, or Romania. 48% of the households in the neighborhood are composed of 1 single person, 23% of 2 people, 18% of 3, 8% of 4, 2% of 5, and slightly more than 1% of 6 or more people (Ref. 9) Socio-economic profile of the area Unknown Communities vulnerable to environmental hazards or climate change impacts No Non-government actors Private sector/Corporate/Business Primary Beneficiaries Citizens or community groups Specify primary beneficiaries The primary beneficiaries are the citizens of Cagliari, particularly those living near the Marina Piccola and Poetto beach areas, as well as the broader public, including tourists and visitors. The project enhances accessibility, making the space more inclusive for cyclists and pedestrians(Refs. 1, 2, 3 & 4). Marginalized groups People with functional diversities Measures for inclusion of marginalised groups The new design ensures that all users, including those with physical disabilities, will have unhindered access to the space. Features such as wheelchair-friendly pathways, tactile guides for the visually impaired, and protected crossings will improve mobility for vulnerable groups (Refs. 1 & 2). Other beneficiaries Local wildlife (e.g., birds, pollinators) Native plant vegetation Natural habitats (e.g. wetland, forests, coastal areas) 4. Governance and financing Governance Governance arrangements Co-governance with government and non-government actors Please specify the roles of the specific government and non-government actor groups involved in the initiative 1. Municipality of Cagliari: specifically its division "Servizio Opere Strategiche Mobilità Infrastrutture Viarie e Reti", which is responsible for overseeing the project. The municipality is the principal authority managing the technical and administrative aspects, from the design phase to the execution of works (Ref. 1). 2. RTP Antonio Sebastiano Gaias: plays a pivotal role as the firm that won the competition for the works on the project. RTP Antonio Sebastiano Gaias is in charge of the technical-economic feasibility design, final and executive design, and safety coordination during the design phase. This includes the planning and execution of various aspects of the project, ensuring technical and safety standards are met (Ref. 5). The project was financed with resources from the Development and Cohesion Fund (FSC) 2014/2020, an Italian fund designed to promote economic development and social cohesion, particularly in less developed regions of the country. (Ref.4) Key actors - initiating organization Local government/municipality Key actors - Other stakeholders involved (besides initiating actors) National government Private sector/corporate actor/company Participatory methods/forms of stakeholder involvement (all stakeholders) Co-management/Joint management Uncommon actors ("Missing actors") Unknown Land owners Public space owned by the city Policy drivers NBS intervention implemented in response to a Regional Directive/Strategy Unknown NBS intervention implemented in response to a national regulations/strategy/plan Yes Please specify the national regulations/strategy/plan Metropolitan City Development Pact: it is an agreement between the Government, Regions, and Metropolitan Cities aimed at promoting and ensuring investment in metropolitan areas and the South of Italy. It sets clear objectives and timelines for projects and enhances governance through collaborative efforts among the involved parties. It is coordinated by the Agency for Territorial Cohesion (Ref. 6 & 7) If there is a relevant strategy or plan, please specify the theme/type of the plan Other Please specify other national policy instrument City development Plan NBS intervention implemented in response to a local regulation/strategy/plan Yes Please specify the "local regulation/strategy/plan" The intervention is operated within project No. 3 - ECONOMY OF THE SEA - National Sailing District - Gulf of Angels. Which is related to the functional section Marina Piccola and neighbouring areas, service infrastructures and aims at the construction of parking areas, the redevelopment of the seafront-port hinge and connections with the Sella del Diavolo and Sant'Elia. This is done within the metropolitan development pact framework (Ref. 2 & 3). Relevant strategy or plan Municipal / city level environmental plan or programme Urban redevelopment plan Mandatory or voluntary intervention Mandatory (based on policy) Intervention is mandatory Spatial planning guidance Enablers & Barriers Type of enablers Governance innovations (such as public private partnerships) Change agents (individual with major role influence on launching) Funds, subsidies or investment for GI/NBS in the city (available for the city or provided by the city) Please provide details (e.g, name of the plan or strategy) for the selected policies or initiatives. 1. The project has been supported and presented by the mayor, Paolo Truzzu, the chairman of the Public Works Commission, Umberto Ticca, and Daniele Olla, municipal manager and project manager (Ref. 1 & 4). 2. The Fondo per lo Sviluppo e la Coesione (FSC) is a key financial instrument for implementing policies aimed at economic, social, and territorial cohesion in Italy. It provides funds for projects related to the Metropolitan City Development Pact (Ref. 8). The project has been implemented through a partnership between the municipality and a private actor (5) Governace and decison-making instruments Strategic instruments (e.g. GI strategies, green space strategy or plans) Economic and fiscal instruments (e.g. subsidies or grants, charges or fees, payments for ecosystem services (PES)) Public - private business agreement (e.g. public private collaborations, public-private-partnerships (PPP)) Arrangements for governance cooperation Unknown Barriers unknown Financing Total cost €2,000,000 - €4,000,000 Please specify total cost (EUR) € 3,000,000 (Refs. 1 & 2) What is/was the Cost/Budget (EUR) of the NBS or green infrastructure elements? n/a Source(s) of funding Public national budget Type of fund(s) used Direct funding (grants, subsidies, or self-financed projects by private entities) Non-financial contribution Unknown Co-finance for NBS No Entrepreneurship opportunities No Business models Business models Vacant space model Which of the involved actors was motivated by this model? Public actor (e.g. municipality) 5. Evaluation and learning Impacts, benefits Environmental impacts Environmental quality Improved soil quality Expected improved soil quality Water management and blue areas Increased protection against flooding Expected increased protection against flooding Enhanced protection and restoration of coastal and marine ecosystems Expected enhanced protection and restoration of coastal and marine ecosystems Green space and habitat Increased conservation or restoration of ecosystems Expected increased conservation or restoration of ecosystems Increased conversion of degraded land or soil Expected increased conversion of degraded land or soil Increased number of species present Expected increased number of species present Increased protection of threatened species Expected increased protection of threatened species Improved prevention or control of invasive alien species Expected improved prevention or control of invasive alien species Description of environmental benefits - Improved soil quality: "grassed pavement, consisting of solid self-locking elements and grassing" (Ref. 3) -Expected increased protection against flooding: "the creation of a rainwater disposal system with first rain tanks and subsoil absorption via drainage trenches and with accumulation tanks to be used for irrigation" (Ref. 3) - Enhanced protection and restoration of coastal and marine ecosystems: "The filter ecosystem reconstructs in landscape terms the relationship margin between the dune area and the promenade pedestrian area, the work is configured as a predominantly sandy embankment that will have to adapt to the morphological-altimetric and morphological-vegetational context that currently exists, including morphological irregularities, variable slopes, presence of autochthonous species and/or stabilised and semi-stabilised dunes" (Ref. 2) - Increased conservation or restoration of ecosystems: "Existing trees are preserved and non-native species are removed." (Ref. 2) - Increased conversion of degraded land or soil: "The redevelopment of Piazza Degli Arcipelaghi therefore represents a tangible commitment to the protection and improvement of Cagliari's landscape" & "The area concerned is [...] a non-place, messy and confused in the distribution of spaces, which is nevertheless one of the access points to one of the most important valuable areas of the city" (Ref. 1) - Increased number of species present: "The eco-filter strip of the Promenade should continue to the Marina Piccola avenue, creating a screen between the square and the road of the sailing centre and following the alignment of the row of palm trees consisting of Phoenix canariensis and Whashingtonia filifera. The plants in the square towards the Poetto Avenue roundabout, Phoenix canariensis and a few individuals of Chamerops humilis, will have to be safeguarded, as well as the shrubs below. More in general, all the essences, arboreal and otherwise, present in the area subject to intervention, must be safeguarded and included in the new arrangement of the Piazza Arcipelaghi." (Ref. 3) - Increased protection of threatened species: "More in general, all the essences, arboreal and otherwise, present in the area subject to intervention, must be safeguarded and included in the new arrangement of the Piazza Arcipelaghi." (Ref. 3) - Improved prevention or control of invasive alien species: "Existing trees are preserved and non-native species are removed." (Ref. 2) Environmental impact indicators Total number of vascular plant species protected or introduced 3 Economic impacts Unknown Description of economic benefits unknown Social and cultural impacts Social justice and cohesion Increased visibility and opportunity for marginalised groups or indigenous peoples Achieved increased visibility and opportunity for marginalised groups or indigenous peoples Health and wellbeing Gain in activities for recreation and exercise Expected gain in activities for recreation and exercise Description of social and cultural benefits - Increased visibility and opportunity for marginalised groups or indigenous peoples: "introducing a facilitated mobility system with paths and access for wheelchairs and the disabled, an orientation system for the visually impaired and blind with floor guides and protected crossings." (Ref. 2) - Gain in activities for recreation and exercise: "And then a cycle lane for cyclists and skaters, and a runners' lane, all to be paved with coloured resin asphalt, in continuity with the works already carried out on the seafront." (Ref. 1) Evidence for use of assessment Presence of an assessment, evaluation and/or monitoring process Yes Actors involved in the assessment, monitoring or evaluation of NBS impacts Local government/municipality Presence of indicators used in reporting No evidence in public records Presence of monitoring/evaluation reports No evidence in public records Availability of a web-based monitoring tool No evidence in public records Name of any specific impact assessment tools unknown Use of GIS in mapping impacts No evidence in public records Cost-benefit analysis Yes Transparency Public disclosure of project funding sources and/or budgets Online disclosure of technical reports (e.g. project documents, reports, or data) Justice Community satisfaction Unknown Description of locals satisfaction with the project unknown Trade-offs & Negative impacts Unknown Emphasis of existing social inequalities or injustices No information reported related to negative social justice-related impacts of the NBS project Measures to prevent gentrification or displacement No initiatives or policies were implemented High-quality & Transformative NBS Multiple impacts delivery (climate, biodiversity, just community) No Goal setting and impacts delivery No, project goals were not set, and benefits were not delivered in all 3 key areas. Reaching original project goals Most of the project goals were achieved Please specify the achievements of the project goals Biodiversity Goals: - Improved soil quality: "grassed pavement, consisting of solid self-locking elements and grassing" (Ref. 3) -Expected increased protection against flooding: "the creation of a rainwater disposal system with first rain tanks and subsoil absorption via drainage trenches and with accumulation tanks to be used for irrigation" (Ref. 3) - Enhanced protection and restoration of coastal and marine ecosystems: "The filter ecosystem reconstructs in landscape terms the relationship margin between the dune area and the promenade pedestrian area, the work is configured as a predominantly sandy embankment that will have to adapt to the morphological-altimetric and morphological-vegetational context that currently exists, including morphological irregularities, variable slopes, presence of autochthonous species and/or stabilised and semi-stabilised dunes" (Ref. 2) - Increased conservation or restoration of ecosystems: "Existing trees are preserved and non-native species are removed." (Ref. 2) - Increased conversion of degraded land or soil: "The redevelopment of Piazza Degli Arcipelaghi therefore represents a tangible commitment to the protection and improvement of Cagliari's landscape" & "The area concerned is [...] a non-place, messy and confused in the distribution of spaces, which is nevertheless one of the access points to one of the most important valuable areas of the city" (Ref. 1) - Increased number of species present: "The eco-filter strip of the Promenade should continue to the Marina Piccola avenue, creating a screen between the square and the road of the sailing centre and following the alignment of the row of palm trees consisting of Phoenix canariensis and Whashingtonia filifera. The plants in the square towards the Poetto Avenue roundabout, Phoenix canariensis and a few individuals of Chamerops humilis, will have to be safeguarded, as well as the shrubs below. More in general, all the essences, arboreal and otherwise, present in the area subject to intervention, must be safeguarded and included in the new arrangement of the Piazza Arcipelaghi." (Ref. 3) - Increased protection of threatened species: "More in general, all the essences, arboreal and otherwise, present in the area subject to intervention, must be safeguarded and included in the new arrangement of the Piazza Arcipelaghi." (Ref. 3) - Improved prevention or control of invasive alien species: "Existing trees are preserved and non-native species are removed." (Ref. 2) Social justice and community goals: - Increased visibility and opportunity for marginalised groups or indigenous peoples: "introducing a facilitated mobility system with paths and access for wheelchairs and the disabled, an orientation system for the visually impaired and blind with floor guides and protected crossings." (Ref. 2) - Gain in activities for recreation and exercise: "And then a cycle lane for cyclists and skaters, and a runners' lane, all to be paved with coloured resin asphalt, in continuity with the works already carried out on the seafront." (Ref. 1) Long-term perspective Yes Cost-effective solutions Unknown Equitable impacts A. All stakeholders benefit fairly from the project Transformative capacity Social change (e.g. social relationships, networks and dynamics within them) Ecological change (e.g. ecosystem functions and their distribution) Magnitude of change Incremental: shallow; that is, mostly maintaining business-as-usual approaches to adaptation Application of lessons learned Unknown Perception of Environmental Change Unknown 6. Sources References 1. Comune di Cagliari (2023). Cagliari rivela il futuro di piazza Degli Arcipelaghi. Accessed on September 11, 2024, [Source link] [Archive]; 2. Comune di Cagliari (n.d.). Riqualificazione della Piazza Arcipelaghi. Accessed on September 11, 2024, [Source link] [Archive]; 3. Comune di Cagliari (2020). DOCUMENTO PRELIMINARE ALLA PROGETTAZIONE SERVIZIO DI INGEGNERIA E ARCHITETTURA: PROGETTAZIONE DI FATTIBILITÀ' TECNICO ECONOMICA DEFINITIVA, ESECUTIVA, COORDINAMENTO PER LA SICUREZZA IN FASE DI PROGETTAZIONE PER L'INTERVENTO: “RIQUALIFICAZIONE DELLA PIAZZA. Accessed on September 11, 2024, [Source link] [Archive]; 4. SH Magazine (2023). Cagliari: svelato il progetto di riqualificazione di Piazza Degli Arcipelaghi. Accessed on September 11, 2024, [Source link] [Archive]; 5. Comune di Cagliari (2021). AVVISO DI GARA AGGIUDICATA. Accessed on September 11, 2024, [Source link] [Archive]; 6. Agenzia per la coesione territoriale (n.d.). I Patti per lo Sviluppo. Accessed on September 11, 2024, [Source link] [Archive]; 7. Città Metropolitana di Cagliari (2016). PATTO PER LO SVILUPPO DELLA CITTA’ METROPOLITANA DI CAGLIARI. Accessed on September 12, 2024, [Source link] [Archive]; 8. Agenzia per la Coesione territoriale (n.d.). Fondo Sviluppo e Coesione. Accessed on September 12, 2024, [Source link] [Archive]; 9. Comune di Cagliari (2022). Atlante Demografico di Cagliari 2022. Accessed on September 12, 2024, [Source link] [Archive]; Comments and notes Public Images Image Image of the project that will be implemented. Studio Gaias. 2023. “CAGLIARI. RIQUALIFICAZIONE DELLA PIAZZA DEGLI ARCIPELAGHI - GAIAS - Studio.” GAIAS - Studio. 2023. https://www.studiogaias.com/progetti/progetti-in-ambito-costiero/cagliari-riqualificazione-della-piazza-degli-arcipelaghi/. Image Map of the project that will be implemented. Studio Gaias. 2023. “CAGLIARI. RIQUALIFICAZIONE DELLA PIAZZA DEGLI ARCIPELAGHI - GAIAS - Studio.” GAIAS - Studio. 2023. https://www.studiogaias.com/progetti/progetti-in-ambito-costiero/cagliari-riqualificazione-della-piazza-degli-arcipelaghi/. Image Map of the project that will be implemented. Studio Gaias. 2023. “CAGLIARI. RIQUALIFICAZIONE DELLA PIAZZA DEGLI ARCIPELAGHI - GAIAS - Studio.” GAIAS - Studio. 2023. https://www.studiogaias.com/progetti/progetti-in-ambito-costiero/cagliari-riqualificazione-della-piazza-degli-arcipelaghi/.
Image Image of the project that will be implemented. Studio Gaias. 2023. “CAGLIARI. RIQUALIFICAZIONE DELLA PIAZZA DEGLI ARCIPELAGHI - GAIAS - Studio.” GAIAS - Studio. 2023. https://www.studiogaias.com/progetti/progetti-in-ambito-costiero/cagliari-riqualificazione-della-piazza-degli-arcipelaghi/.
Image Map of the project that will be implemented. Studio Gaias. 2023. “CAGLIARI. RIQUALIFICAZIONE DELLA PIAZZA DEGLI ARCIPELAGHI - GAIAS - Studio.” GAIAS - Studio. 2023. https://www.studiogaias.com/progetti/progetti-in-ambito-costiero/cagliari-riqualificazione-della-piazza-degli-arcipelaghi/.
Image Map of the project that will be implemented. Studio Gaias. 2023. “CAGLIARI. RIQUALIFICAZIONE DELLA PIAZZA DEGLI ARCIPELAGHI - GAIAS - Studio.” GAIAS - Studio. 2023. https://www.studiogaias.com/progetti/progetti-in-ambito-costiero/cagliari-riqualificazione-della-piazza-degli-arcipelaghi/.
