1. General information Location and description of the intervention City or FUA Cagliari (FUA) Region Europe Native title of the NBS intervention Lavori di pulizia rii e canali per la messa in sicurezza del territorio ad Assemini Short description of the intervention Assemini, a municipality in Cagliari, has long grappled with hydrogeological instability, marked by major floods in 1999 and 2002. To mitigate future risks, the municipality launched a series of interventions focused on improving the hydraulic management of its waterways. These projects are part of a broader strategy to address recurring flood hazards exacerbated by the effects of rapid urbanization in the 1970s, which disrupted the natural water drainage systems (1,3). The central goal of the project is to reduce the risk of flooding by enhancing the functionality of existing waterways. This includes both preventative measures and structural improvements to the canal system to manage stormwater more effectively. These efforts aim to safeguard urban and rural areas from severe meteorological events. The project development involved a multi-phased approach starting in 2013, focusing on cleaning and maintaining minor waterways such as the Gutturu Lorenzu, Sa Nuxedda, and Giaccu Meloni streams. These efforts expanded over time, culminating in an agreement with the Land Reclamation Consortium of Southern Sardinia in 2015, securing both local and regional financial support. The interventions have covered over 24 kilometers of canals and streams, targeting key flood-prone areas (1,2). Key interventions include the cleaning and maintenance of over 35 km of canals and streams, in partnership with the Land Reclamation Consortium of Southern Sardinia, supported by regional funding. A separate, large-scale intervention in Truncu Is Follas involves constructing an open-air diversion canal, a retention basin (44,500 m³), and new pipelines to redirect floodwaters, thus reducing risk for residents downstream in both Assemini and Elmas. Website of the intervention https://www.comune.assemini.ca.it/articolo/lavori-pulizia-rii-canali-messa-sicu… Principal problems Climate-Related Hazards River flooding Implementation area characterization Climate Temperate ( Humid subtropical, Hot-summer Mediterranean, Warm-summer Mediterranean, Warm-temperate with dry winter) Ecosystem Rivers/streams Address Italy 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.vulcanonotizie.it/assemini-dissesto-idrogeologico-e-mitigazione-dei-rischi-anche-per-truncu-is-follas-prevista-la-messa-in-sicurezza/ Total area 24000000.00m² Area description Urban (main city) Type of area before implementation of the NBS Freshwater setting (e.g. river, channel, lake, pond) Timeline of intervention Start date of the intervention (planning process) 2013 Start date of intervention (implementation process) 2014 End date of the intervention 2018 Present stage of the intervention Completed 2. Objectives of the intervention Objectives of the intervention Goals of the intervention -Reduce hydrogeological risk and prevent flooding in vulnerable urban and peri-urban areas (Ref 1, Ref 3) -Restore the hydraulic functionality of natural and artificial canals and streams (Ref 1) -Create infrastructure to intercept and redirect floodwaters safely away from residential areas (Ref 3) -Enhance water retention capacity through the construction of a large retention basin (Ref 3) -Rebalance the hydrological system disrupted by urbanisation and infrastructure (e.g., SS130 highway) (Ref 3) -Develop coordinated and long-term planning strategies, including feasibility studies and project designs (Ref 1, Ref 3) -Collaborate with regional and local agencies for integrated water and land management (Ref 1) Key Priorities Climate action (adaptation and/or mitigation) Sustainability challenge(s) addressed Climate action for adaptation, resilience and mitigation (SDG 13) Climate change adaptation Water management (SDG 6) Flood protection Stormwater and rainfall management and storage Inclusive and effective governance (SDG 16) Disaster-risk reduction Climate change adaptation: What activities are implemented to realize the conservation goals and targets? Restore rivers and other fresh water bodies to reduce flood or drought risk Implementation activities and NBS focus Implementation activities Assemini launched a program to regularly maintain its streams and canals, crucial for draining excess rainwater and preventing flooding. Initiated by Mayor Mario Puddu in 2013, it included multiple hydraulic interventions on minor canals downstream of the town in 2014. Key areas addressed were the Gutturu Lorenzu stream (550 m), canals along via Bacaredda, via Ancona (1100 m), Sa Nuxedda (1000 m), and Giaccu Meloni (400 m). In 2015, the municipality signed an agreement with the Land Reclamation Consortium of Southern Sardinia to clean 6,500 meters of canals. This partnership was renewed in 2016, with €177,664.80 in regional funding for more interventions through 2018. The first section maintained was Rio Sa Nuxedda, with 3,750 meters of canals cleaned. (1). To secure the territory, the municipality has invested in annual cleaning since 2013. Besides specific interventions using municipal resources, more comprehensive works began in 2014. Waste was removed from canal banks, and the Geological Service of Cagliari maintained Rio Mannu’s left drain from Via Coghe to its mouth. (2). A study by Eng. Italo Frau identified two key systems: an open-air canal to divert drainage to Rio di Sestu, and a retention basin upstream of Strada dei Canadesi to collect rainwater. A pipeline discharges it into Rio Sa Murta, with an overflow system for extreme rainfall. (3) Type of NBS project Management and improved protection of rivers and other blue areas River rehabilitation/ restoration 3. NBS domains, ES and scale NBS domain and interventions Ecological domain(s) where the NBS intervention(s) is/are implemented Blue infrastructure Rivers/streams/canals/estuaries Amenities offered by the NBS Unknown Design elements for well-being None of the above Services Expected ecosystem services delivered Provisioning services Water (surface and ground water for drinking and non-drinking purposes) Regulating services Flood regulation Scale Spatial scale Meso-scale: Regional, metropolitan and urban level Beneficiaries Demographics in implementation area It rises in the plain of the Cixerri, Flumini Mannu and Sa Nuxedda rivers, north of the Santa Gilla pond. A growing municipality, it bases its economy on agriculture, crafts, industry and the tertiary sector. The vast territory includes the Monte Arcosu Oasis and the Gutturu Mannu Park. According to tourism standards it is classified as a "Town with an ancient tradition of ceramics". Inhabitants: 25 917; Surface: 118.17 km²; Density: 219.32; inhabitants/km²; Altitude: 6 m above sea level (ref 4). Socio-economic profile of the area Mixed income Communities vulnerable to environmental hazards or climate change impacts Yes Specification of climate or environmentally vulnerable communities Riverfront communities Primary Beneficiaries Citizens or community groups Specify primary beneficiaries residents and agricultural areas: Continuing in this constant work of restoration and recovery of the hydraulic functionality of the territory, a final piece was recently added by the Municipal Council with the approval at the end of March 2018 of the feasibility project, relating to some works planned in the hamlet of Truncu Is Follas. Truncu Is Follas is a built-up area of the Municipality of Assemini, located near the SS 130 and very close to the town of Elmas. The area, mainly residential, was built "spontaneously" years ago in an area subject to periodic flooding and whose problems have been increasing due to the presence of the highway which, essentially, hinders the natural flow of water towards the S. Gilla lagoon. (ref 3). General Community Safety and Infrastructure Protection: The interventions are fundamental from a prevention perspective... ensuring better water drainage and safeguarding the urban areas and their infrastructure (ref 1,3). Marginalized groups Unknown Other beneficiaries Unknown 4. Governance and financing Governance Governance arrangements Government-led Please specify the roles of the specific government and non-government actor groups involved in the initiative In 2015, a first agreement was signed with the Land Reclamation Consortium of Southern Sardinia. In 2016, the Municipal Administration renewed the collaboration with the Land Reclamation Consortium in order to use the extraordinary contribution obtained from the Region for the execution of ordinary maintenance cleaning interventions in the waterways falling within the Municipal territory. with a recent resolution of the Council, the Municipal Administration has decided to continue the fruitful collaboration with the Land Reclamation Consortium, with which a program agreement has already been signed that will last until December 2018. (ref 1). Key actors - initiating organization Local government/municipality Key actors - Other stakeholders involved (besides initiating actors) Regional government Public sector institution Participatory methods/forms of stakeholder involvement (all stakeholders) Unknown 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 Unknown NBS intervention implemented in response to a local regulation/strategy/plan Unknown Mandatory or voluntary intervention Mandatory (based on policy) Intervention is mandatory Spatial planning guidance Environmental regulation Enablers & Barriers Type of enablers Unknown Governace and decison-making instruments Legislative and regulatory instruments (e.g. laws, strategies, regulations or restrictions) Arrangements for governance cooperation Unknown Barriers unknown Financing Total cost €100,000 - €500,000 Please specify total cost (EUR) € 177,664.80 (ref 1) Source(s) of funding Public local authority budget Public regional budget Type of fund(s) used Earmarked public budget Non-financial contribution Unknown Co-finance for NBS Yes Co-governance arrangement Unknown Entrepreneurship opportunities Unknown Business models Business models Risk reduction model Which of the involved actors was motivated by this model? Public actor (e.g. municipality) 5. Evaluation and learning Impacts, benefits Environmental impacts Water management and blue areas Increased protection against flooding Achieved increased protection against flooding Improved stormwater management Achieved improved stormwater management Enhanced protection and restoration of freshwater ecosystems Expected enhanced protection and restoration of freshwater ecosystems Please specify other economic impact Cost savings from reduced short-term flood damage Description of environmental benefits -Achieved increased protection against flooding: The interventions improved water drainage, reducing the accumulation of rainwater and preventing flooding in vulnerable areas. The lamination basin upstream of Strada dei Canadesi will act as a 'collection basin' in the event of heavy rainfall. The interventions have been crucial in safeguarding both urban and agricultural areas. For example, an area of 4.5 hectares of agricultural land has been designated for water retention, which protects "the residents and businesses downstream"(ref 3). -Achieved improved stormwater management: Improved hydraulic functionality and flow capacity of natural and artificial canals, reducing blockages and enabling more effective water drainage. (Ref 1). The construction of a 44,500 m³ retention basin is expected to absorb heavy rainfall and prevent downstream flooding, especially during extreme weather events. (Ref 3) -Expected enhanced protection and restoration of freshwater ecosystems: By restoring and maintaining canals, the project creates conditions that could support riparian vegetation and aquatic biodiversity over time. (Ref 3) Environmental impact indicators Total area of protected or secured natural areas (in ha) 2400 Economic impacts Increase of green jobs (e.g. paid employment positions) Expected increase of green jobs (e.g. paid employment positions) Other Description of economic benefits Cost savings from reduced short-term flood damage: Maintenance of over 35 km of canals has likely already lowered the frequency and severity of localized flooding, reducing emergency response and infrastructure repair costs. (Ref 1) Potential to create local jobs: In construction, land management, and long-term maintenance linked to canal upkeep and flood protection systems. (Ref 1, Ref 3) Social and cultural impacts Social justice and cohesion Improved liveability Expected improved liveability Cultural heritage and sense of place Improvement in people’s connection to nature Expected improvement in people’s connection to nature Safety Improved community safety to climate-related hazards Expected improved community safety to climate-related hazards Description of social and cultural benefits -Expected improved community safety to climate-related hazards: Through regular maintenance and vegetation management, localized flood vulnerability has already decreased in targeted zones. (Ref 1). The project has responded directly to community concerns following repeated flooding, reinforcing public trust in local and regional authorities. (Ref 1) -Expected improvement in people’s connection to nature: Maintenance of traditional canals and cooperation with the Land Reclamation Consortium reconnects the community with longstanding practices of territorial care. (Ref 1) -Expected improved livability: By reducing flood frequency and damage, especially in vulnerable neighborhoods like Truncu Is Follas, the intervention is expected to foster a greater sense of safety and stability. (Ref 3) Evidence for use of assessment Presence of an assessment, evaluation and/or monitoring process Unknown 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 Unknown Transparency Unknown 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 Unknown 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 Some of the project goals were achieved Long-term perspective Yes Cost-effective solutions Unknown Equitable impacts C. Unknown Transformative capacity Technical change (e.g. built infrastructure of cities and their parts, roads, buildings and so on) Magnitude of change Reformist: by focusing on addressing underlying drivers of change but failing to address the problem structurally or systemically Application of lessons learned Unknown Perception of Environmental Change Unknown 6. Sources References 1. vulcano notizie (2017). Dissesto idrogeologico e cura del territorio: Assemini firma un accordo col Consorzio di Bonifica. Accessed on September 27, 2024, [Source link] [Archive]; 2. Città metropolitana di Cagliari (2017). Lavori di pulizia rii e canali per la messa in sicurezza del territorio ad Assemini. Accessed on September 27, 2024, [Source link] [Archive]; 3. vulcano notizie ( 2018). Assemini. Dissesto idrogeologico e mitigazione dei rischi: anche per Truncu Is Follas prevista la messa in sicurezza. Accessed on September 27, 2024, [Source link] [Archive]; 4. Città Metropolitana di Cagliari (2024). Assemini. Accessed on September 27, 2024, [Source link] [Archive]; Comments and notes Public Images Image satellite image of the area of intervention https://www.vulcanonotizie.it/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/immagine-satellitare-interventi-Assemini.jpg Image photo of one of the interventions https://www.vulcanonotizie.it/dissesto-idrogeologico-e-cura-del-territorio-assemini-firma-un-accordo-col-consorzio-di-bonifica/
Image satellite image of the area of intervention https://www.vulcanonotizie.it/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/immagine-satellitare-interventi-Assemini.jpg
Image photo of one of the interventions https://www.vulcanonotizie.it/dissesto-idrogeologico-e-cura-del-territorio-assemini-firma-un-accordo-col-consorzio-di-bonifica/
