1. General information
Location and description of the intervention
City or FUA
Cagliari (FUA)
Region
Europe
Native title of the NBS intervention
Una Promenade Verde Lungomare di Cagliari
Short description of the intervention
Cagliari's waterfront is currently characterized by extensive soil sealing, which has rendered the soil impermeable, leading to a loss of biodiversity and contributing to the urban heat island effect. Additionally, the waterfront is disconnected from the city due to heavy traffic. In 2023, the Municipality of Cagliari launched the "Green Promenade for Cagliari’s Seafront" project, aimed at revitalizing the waterfront and reconnecting the city with its coastal heritage. Led by Stefano Boeri Architetti, the project seeks to transform the area into a continuous green space that integrates pedestrian pathways with shaded public areas, functioning as a "green lung" to mitigate urban heat and enhance biodiversity.
The initiative will introduce over 200 new trees and 5,700 square meters of green space, creating a park that beautifies the area, improves air quality, and lowers local temperatures. A key focus of the project is fostering cultural and social inclusion by developing new community hubs that encourage diverse activities and strengthen social cohesion. Additional features include recreational areas, sports fields, and outdoor seating. (Ref. 1, 2,3)
The project also aims to enhance social inclusion, environmental sustainability, and urban connectivity, ultimately transforming the waterfront into a vibrant public space that reflects Cagliari’s identity.
However, the lengthy construction process has disrupted local businesses and reduced foot traffic, making the area less attractive during the redevelopment phase. (Refs. 10, 11, 12 & 13).
Website of the intervention
https://www.stefanoboeriarchitetti.net/project/una-promenade-verde-per-il-lungo…
Principal problems
Climate-Related Hazards
Urban flooding (stormwater)
Heat stress & Extreme temperatures
Environmental Degradation
Biodiversity loss
Soil degradation and loss
Air pollution
Health, Well-being and Social cohesion
Physical health harm (from pollution, wildfire, extreme temperature)
Disconnection from nature
Implementation area characterization
Climate
Temperate ( Humid subtropical, Hot-summer Mediterranean, Warm-summer Mediterranean, Warm-temperate with dry winter)
Ecosystem
Urban or built environment
Address

Via Roma
09124 Cagliari
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
Stefano Boeri Architetti. n.d. “Una Promenade Verde | Lungomare Di Cagliari | Stefano Boeri Architetti.” Stefano Boeri Architetti. Accessed August 19, 2024. https://www.stefanoboeriarchitetti.net/project/una-promenade-verde-per-il-lungomare-di-cagliari/.
Total area
24000.00m²
NBS area
5700.00m²
Area description
Urban (main city)
Seascape
Type of area before implementation of the NBS
Residential
Central Business District / City Centre
Timeline of intervention
Start date of the intervention (planning process)
2022
Start date of intervention (implementation process)
2023
End date of the intervention
ongoing
Present stage of the intervention
Ongoing
Objectives of the intervention
Goals of the intervention
1. To reconnect Cagliari's waterfront, particularly along Via Roma and Piazza Matteotti, with the city center and transform it into a "green lung" that is a vibrant, sustainable, and accessible public space.
2. To mitigate urban heat islands, combat biodiversity loss, improve air quality and reduce risk of flooding caused by heavy rains by significantly increasing green areas and planting trees.
3. To encourage sustainable urban practices throughout the project, contributing to a more environmentally friendly city.
4.To encourage social cohesion and community interaction by integrating recreational areas, sports facilities, and public gathering spots.
5. To reestablish the waterfront area as a cultural and social hub, reflecting Cagliari's identity and history while impproving urban livability. (Refs. 1-6)
Key Priorities
Climate action (adaptation and/or mitigation)
Social Justice and community
Sustainability challenge(s) addressed
Climate action for adaptation, resilience and mitigation (SDG 13)
Climate change adaptation
Coastal resilience and marine protection (SDG 14)
Coastal protection / hazard mitigation
Environmental quality
Air quality improvement
Green space, habitats and biodiversity (SDG 15)
Green space creation and/or management
Regeneration, land-use and urban development
Promote natural styles of landscape design for urban development
Water management (SDG 6)
Flood protection
Stormwater and rainfall management and storage
Cultural heritage and cultural diversity
Protection of historic and cultural landscape/infrastructure
Health and well-being (SDG 3)
Creation of opportunities for recreation
Social justice, cohesion and equity (SDG 10)
Social cohesion
Social interaction
Sense of community and community engagement
Climate change adaptation: What activities are implemented to realize the conservation goals and targets?
Increase urban vegetation cover to reduce urban heat island effect
Implementation activities and NBS focus
Implementation activities
The project for Cagliari's waterfront begins with an initial assessment of Via Roma, Piazza Matteotti, and the surrounding waterfront areas, identifying key challenges such as soil impermeability and disorganized traffic patterns. Based on this assessment, a master plan is developed to reduce traffic, expand pedestrian areas, and introduce green spaces. Infrastructure improvements are then made, including the installation of irrigation systems, traffic restructuring, and land preparation for planting.
Following these preparations, over 200 trees are planted and 5,700 square meters of green areas are established, creating a an environmentally friendly space that helps in filtering rainwater and mitigating runoff. The project improves the underground capacity of the storm water drainage system, allowing it to collect more rainwater and direct it efficiently to the sea. Public spaces, including a new promenade and recreational areas, are built using sustainable materials. The project also integrates sustainable mobility by incorporating pedestrian pathways and creating connections to the Marina district.
The final phase involves community engagement and maintaining the new urban landscape, ensuring the project's long-term success (Refs. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 & 6).
Type of NBS project
Creation of new green areas
Creation of green corridors (including connectivity between urban and rural ecosystems)
Creation of large parks and urban and peri-urban forests
Coastal landscape management or protection
Coastal ecosystems restoration and maintenance (mangroves, dunes, saltplains, underwater meadows)
Improving coastal resilience
NBS domain and interventions
Ecological domain(s) where the NBS intervention(s) is/are implemented
Blue infrastructure
Coastlines
Parks and urban forests
Pocket parks/neighbourhood green spaces
Green corridors and green belts
Amenities offered by the NBS
Benches and drinking water stations
Sports areas and equipment
Design elements for well-being
Olfactory elements (e.g., floral scents, earthy smells)
Tactile elements (e.g., natural materials like wood or stone, exposure to sunlight)
Services
Expected ecosystem services delivered
Regulating services
Local climate regulation (temperature reduction)
Air quality regulation
Coastal protection
Cultural services
Aesthetic appreciation
Inspiration for culture, art and design
Recreation
Social and community interactions
Scale
Spatial scale
Micro-scale: District/neighbourhood level
Beneficiaries
Demographics in implementation area
The project extends over the neighborhoods of Stampace, Marina and Bonaria. Those neighborhoods counted 17,874 inhabitants in 2022 (12% of the total population of Cagliari). The average age in each district is respectively around 47 years old (one of the youngest populations in the neighborhoods of Cagliari) in Stampace, 48 in Marina, and 50 years old in Bonaria. Here, we will show how age is distributed in different age groups and provide further information about demographics.

In Stampace:
1. 0-14: 832 (12%), which denotes one of the neighborhoods with the biggest percentage of the young population.
2. 15-64: 4.468 (65%)
3. over 65: 1.622 (23%)
Immigration flows particularly characterize the neighborhood. In fact, the foreign population amounts to 14% of its total population, which is one of the highest rates in Cagliari's neighborhoods. Most of the foreigners in the area come from China, Bangladesh or Bosnia Herzegovina.
60% of the households in the neighborhood are composed of 1 single person, 19% of 2 people, 12% of 3, 6% of 4, 2% of 5, and slightly more than 1% of 6 or more people.

In Marina:
1. 0-14: 211 (8%)
2. 15-64: 1,853 (71%) - high rate
3. over 65: 541 (21%) - low rate
Immigration flows are the highest compared to other neighborhoods; in fact, the foreign population amounts to 20% of its total population, which is the highest rate in Cagliari's neighborhoods. Most of the foreigners in the area come from Bangladesh, Senegal, and China.
65% of the households in the neighborhood are composed of 1 single person, 18% of 2 people, 9% of 3, 5% of 4, 2% of 5, and 0.5% of 6 or more people.

In Bonaria:
1. 0-14: 814 (10%)
2. 15-64: 5,184 (62%)
3. over 65: 3,349 (28%)
Immigration flows are quite high compared to other neighborhoods, and the foreign population amounts to 8% of its total population, which is one of the highest rates in Cagliari's neighborhoods. Most of the foreigners in the area come from the Philippines, China, and Ukraine.
51% of the households in the neighborhood are composed of 1 single person, 25% of 2 people, 14% of 3, 8% of 4, 2% of 5, and less than 1% of 6 or more people.

Therefore, the project extends over an area characterized by strong migration flows, with a foreign population of people coming mainly from Bangladesh and China (Ref.14).
Socio-economic profile of the area
Unknown
Communities vulnerable to environmental hazards or climate change impacts
Yes
Specification of climate or environmentally vulnerable communities
Urban heat islands
Non-government actors
Private sector/Corporate/Business
Primary Beneficiaries
Private sector/Corporate/Company
Citizens or community groups
Specify primary beneficiaries
Cagliari Residents: They will gain a revitalized public space with more green areas, improved air quality, and enhanced accessibility between the city and the sea.
Local Businesses: Although some disruptions are occurring during construction, the project is expected to increase foot traffic and attract more visitors in the long term (Refs. 2, 3, 4, 5 & 6).
Marginalized groups
Unknown
Other beneficiaries
Ecosystem services (e.g. improved air quality, water purification)
Public health (e.g. increased physical activity opportunities, reduced stress)
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
Municipality of Cagliari: The local government body responsible for overseeing the project and its implementation.
Following a tender for the redefinition of Cagliari’s waterfront, the project will be implemented by Stefano Boeri Architetti, in association with MATE Società Cooperativa (Engineering architecture company), MIC-HUB, StudioSilva (landscape architecture), S.T.P , and the archaeologist Demis Massimiliano Murgia. The project is co-funded by the EU, the local municipality and the national government (Refs. 2, 3 & 4)
Key actors - initiating organization
Local government/municipality
Key actors - Other stakeholders involved (besides initiating actors)
National government
Private sector/corporate actor/company
EU body
Participatory methods/forms of stakeholder involvement (all stakeholders)
Co-planning (e.g. stakeholder workshops, focus groups, participatory mapping)
Taskforce groups
Joint implementation (e.g. tree planting)
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
Coesione Italia 2021-2027: PN Metro Plus e Città Medie Sud 2021-2027 (8)
If there is a relevant strategy or plan, please specify the theme/type of the plan
Other
Please specify other national policy instrument
urban redevelopment, green mobility, circular economy national plan (8)
NBS intervention implemented in response to a local regulation/strategy/plan
Yes
Please specify the "local regulation/strategy/plan"
The project has been developed as part of the Cagliari strategy within the PON metro project. The PON Metro is a strategic tool designed to address social, environmental, and economic sustainability challenges in urban areas. This program aims to improve the quality of services provided by local administrations and to promote social inclusion by tailoring interventions to the specific needs of each territory. The key areas of intervention include the metropolitan digital agenda, the sustainability of public services and urban mobility, social inclusion services, and infrastructure for social inclusion (Ref. 7).
Relevant strategy or plan
City specific green space strategy or plan
Urban redevelopment plan
Mandatory or voluntary intervention
Mandatory (based on policy)
Intervention is mandatory
Spatial planning guidance
Environmental regulation
Enablers & Barriers
Type of enablers
Governance innovations (such as public private partnerships)
Support from transitional governance actors
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.
Governance innovation: The municipality of Cagliari has partnered with several private companies to implement this project (1)
Support from transnational actors: the EU is co-funding this project (7)
Coesione Italia 2021-2027: PN Metro Plus e Città Medie Sud 2021-2027and PON Metro Cagliari (Ref. 7 & 8).
Governace and decison-making instruments
Legislative and regulatory instruments (e.g. laws, strategies, regulations or restrictions)
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
Task forces or commissions (e.g. group of multi-disciplinary experts)
Barriers
The project has encountered multiple barriers that have complicated its implementation. One of the most significant issues involves the removal and mishandling of historic pavement stones (basoli) from Via Roma, raising concerns about potential damage to this cultural heritage. The authorities have initiated an investigation following a complaint from a concerned citizen, as the stones were reportedly not removed, cataloged, or stored according to the preservation guidelines established.
Additionally, the ongoing construction has substantially impacted local businesses and traffic. Business owners have expressed frustration over the lack of communication and involvement from the authorities. Additionally, the construction has led to a significant drop in revenue due to reduced foot traffic and accessibility issues. The difficulties have been compounded by disruptions to vehicular circulation in key areas like Via Roma and Viale Trieste, making it challenging for both residents and visitors to navigate the area.

The combination of these factors—the potential mishandling of historical materials, economic strain on local businesses, and increased traffic congestion—has created significant obstacles for the project. These barriers highlight the need for more careful planning, better communication with affected stakeholders, and strict adherence to cultural preservation standards. Addressing these issues is crucial to ensuring the project's success and minimizing its negative impacts on the community (Refs. 9, 10, 11, 12 & 13).
Financing
Total cost
More than €4,000,000
Please specify total cost (EUR)
The total cost of the works in Via Roma, together with a further project in Viale Trieste amounted to €16 millions (Ref. 6).
Source(s) of funding
Public local authority budget
Public national budget
EU funds
Type of fund(s) used
Earmarked public budget
Direct funding (grants, subsidies, or self-financed projects by private entities)
Non-financial contribution
Unknown
Co-finance for NBS
Yes
Co-governance arrangement
A fund / grant
Entrepreneurship opportunities
No
What types of actors are leading the entrepreneurship activities linked to the NBS project?
Social enterprises or cooperatives
Local government agencies or departments
What types of support are provided to entrepreneurs engaged in NBS-related activities?
Financial assistance (e.g., grants, loans, equity investments)
Business models
Business models
Green densification model
Which of the involved actors was motivated by this model?
Public actor (e.g. municipality)
Impacts, benefits
Environmental impacts
Climate change
Enhanced carbon sequestration
Expected enhanced carbon sequestration
Prevent the frequency and/or intensity of heatwaves
Expected prevent the frequency and/or intensity of heatwaves
Environmental quality
Improved air quality
Expected improved air 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 green space area
Expected increased green space area
Increased number of species present
Expected increased number of species present
Description of environmental benefits
- Enhanced carbon sequestration: "the project significantly contributes to increasing the presence of greenery, which can trap fine particulate matter and absorb CO2. " (Ref. 2)
- Prevent the frequency and/or intensity of heatwaves: "the project significantly contributes to increasing the presence of greenery, which can [...] break down the heat island effect and mitigate the microclimate. " (Ref. 2)
- Improved air quality: "the project significantly contributes to increasing the presence of greenery, which can trap fine particulate matter. " (Ref. 2)
- Increased protection against flooding/Expected enhanced protection and restoration of coastal and marine ecosystems: "We enhance the capacity of the underground water collection network to carry water to the sea. So we also address the issue of flooding during intense weather events." (Ref. 6)
- Increased green space area/number of species present/Expected enhanced protection and restoration of coastal and marine ecosystems: " Through planting more than 200 new trees - in addition to the maintenance of all the existing tree components - and approximately 5,700 square meters of green areas, the creation of a new city park easily accessible from the entire Via Roma frontage is guaranteed." (Ref. 2)
Environmental impact indicators
Green space area created (in ha)
5.7
Economic impacts
Attraction of business and investment
Expected attraction of business and investment
Description of economic benefits
- Attraction of business and investment: "It will be able to engage in all kinds of activities, [...] not only for walking, but also for having some commercial activities." (Ref. 6)
Social and cultural impacts
Social justice and cohesion
Improved access to urban green space
Expected improved access to urban green space
Increased opportunities for social interaction
Expected increased opportunities for social interaction
Health and wellbeing
Gain in activities for recreation and exercise
Expected gain in activities for recreation and exercise
Cultural heritage and sense of place
Increased sense of place identity, memory and belonging
Expected increased sense of place identity, memory and belonging
Social and cultural impact indicators
Surface area of accessible green spaces (in ha)
5.7
Description of social and cultural benefits
- Improved access to urban green space: "The plan envisages the implementation of sustainable mobility based on the principles of proximity and pedestrianisation, a network of paths connecting and animating all the green areas, returning the city's relationship with the sea." (Ref. 1)
- Increased opportunities for social interaction: "The new promenade becomes an element of social inclusion, it connects the waterfront and the main public functions along it." (Ref. 1)
- Gain in activities for recreation and exercise: "The “Square by the Sea” represents a usable public space for all, in continuity with the tree-lined avenue, with sports fields (in the new “sports rambla”)." (Ref. 2)
- Increased sense of place identity, memory and belonging: "The new urban intervention and landscaping aims to restore the social and environmental value of Cagliari's waterfront through a green promenade that recaptures the original 19th-century function of Via Roma" (Ref. 2)
Mental health benefits
Reduced stress
Restoration and relaxation
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
Public disclosure of project funding sources and/or budgets
Online disclosure of technical reports (e.g. project documents, reports, or data)
Justice
Community satisfaction
Mixed: Feedback and reports show a combination of positive and negative sentiments regarding satisfaction with the NBS project within the community.
Description of locals satisfaction with the project
The perception of locals regarding the project is mixed, with some significant concerns. While the project aims to enhance the waterfront and provide long-term environmental and social benefits, residents and business owners have voiced frustrations. These frustrations stem from disruptions caused by prolonged construction, including traffic difficulties, decreased accessibility, and economic impacts on local businesses. Additionally, there are worries about the handling of historical elements, such as the mishandling of ancient pavement stones and the removal of previous plants (palm trees) whose destination has been left unknown to the public, which has led to distrust and dissatisfaction among the community (Refs. 9, 10, 11, 12 & 13).
Trade-offs & Negative impacts
Social justice and conflicts
Lack of social acceptance
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)
Yes
Goal setting and impacts delivery
No, although benefits were delivered in all the 3 key areas, but in the planning phase, the project did not aim to address issues in all the 3 key priority areas.
Reaching original project goals
Inconclusive as the project is still undergoing implementation, or is still on its planning stages
Long-term perspective
Yes
Cost-effective solutions
Unknown
Equitable impacts
A. All stakeholders benefit fairly from the project
Transformative capacity
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
References
1.
Mic HUB (n.d.). A Green Promenade for Cagliari’s Seafront. Accessed on August 19, 2024, [Source link] [Archive];
2.
Stefano Boeri Architetti (2022). Una Promenade Verde Lungomare di Cagliari. Accessed on August 19, 2024, [Source link] [Archive];
3.
Milan, L (2023). Promenade Verde, la Green Obsession di Stefano Boeri per Cagliari. Accessed on August 19, 2024, [Source link] [Archive];
4.
Ingenio (2023). Riqualificazione waterfront di Cagliari: nuova promenade verde a firma Stefano Boeri Architetti. Accessed on August 19, 2024, [Source link] [Archive];
5.
Comune di Cagliari (2023). Presentati i cantieri e la nuova viabilità di via Roma e viale Trieste. Cagliari: Accessed on August 19, 2024, [Source link] [Archive];
6.
Comune di Cagliari (2023). I nuovi cantieri e le modifiche alla viabilità in via Roma e viale Trieste. Accessed on August 19, 2024, [Source link] [Archive];
7.
Comune di Cagliari (n.d.). PON Metro Cagliari. Cagliari: Accessed on August 20, 2024, [Source link] [Archive];
8.
Italian Government (2021). PNRR: rivoluzione verde e transizione ecologica. [Source link] [Archive];
9.
Gruppo di Intervento Giuridico (2024). Cagliari, realizzazione della nuova Via Roma, rimozione delle Palme.. Accessed on August 19, 2024, [Source link] [Archive];
10.
Rapeanu, P (2023). Via Roma ko, i commercianti di Cagliari tremano: “Lavori fermi in piena estate? Un disastro”. Casteddu Online, Accessed on August 19, 2024, [Source link] [Archive];
11.
Sardegna Live (2023). Lavori in via Roma a Cagliari sotto la lente dei carabinieri. Accessed on August 19, 2024, [Source link] [Archive];
12.
Rapeanu, P (2024). Cagliari, via Roma “stritolata” tra il bosco di Boeri e l’hotel extra lusso al porto: “Anni di lavori, solo disagi per residenti e negozianti”. Casteddu Online, Accessed on August 19, 2024, [Source link] [Archive];
13.
Musu, L (2024). Cagliari, gli ingabbiati dal cantiere infinito di via Roma. Unione Sarda, Accessed on August 19, 2024, [Source link] [Archive];
14.
Comune di Cagliari (2022). Atlante Demografico di Cagliari 2022. Cagliari: Accessed on August 19, 2024, [Source link] [Archive];
Comments and notes
Public Images
promenade-verde
promenade-verde
https://www.stefanoboeriarchitetti.net/en/press-release/unione-sarda-green-promenade-for-cagliaris-seafront/#:~:text=The%20new%20project%20aims%20to,and%20community%20cohesion%2C%20creating%20new
Image of the expected results of the project in Via Roma.
Image of the expected results of the project in Via Roma.
Stefano Boeri Architetti. n.d. “Una Promenade Verde | Lungomare Di Cagliari | Stefano Boeri Architetti.” Stefano Boeri Architetti. Accessed August 19, 2024. https://www.stefanoboeriarchitetti.net/project/una-promenade-verde-per-il-lungomare-di-cagliari/.
Image of the project that will be implemented.
Image of the project that will be implemented.
Stefano Boeri Architetti. n.d. “Una Promenade Verde | Lungomare Di Cagliari | Stefano Boeri Architetti.” Stefano Boeri Architetti. Accessed August 19, 2024. https://www.stefanoboeriarchitetti.net/project/una-promenade-verde-per-il-lungomare-di-cagliari/.