1. General information Location and description of the intervention City or FUA Cagliari (FUA) Region Europe Native title of the NBS intervention Tutela dello Stagno di Santa Gilla Short description of the intervention The Santa Gilla lagoon, a crucial wetland in the Cagliari metropolitan area of Sardinia, has been the focus of several interventions aimed at restoring and preserving its natural and socio-economic functions. The overarching goal of these projects is to rehabilitate the lagoon's ecosystems, improve public accessibility, and promote sustainable economic activities such as eco-tourism and fishing. One significant intervention is the restoration of pedestrian and cycling paths around the lagoon, managed by CACIP (Consorzio Industriale Provinciale di Cagliari) in collaboration with the Metropolitan City of Cagliari. With over two million euros in funding, this project aimed to recover the original profiles of the lagoon's embankments, while removing waste from the area and enhancing the paths for non-motorized mobility (2). Another crucial development was the legal action taken by the Corpo Forestale (Forestry Corps) in 2020 to address illegal constructions and pollution along the lagoon's eastern shores. This action included the sequestration of areas used for illegal fishing activities, where hazardous materials and waste were improperly disposed of, leading to environmental degradation (1). Furthermore, environmental groups have made continuous efforts to address illegal dumping near the lagoon, particularly along the SS 195 highway. These groups have actively sought the intervention of local authorities to initiate cleanup operations and enforce regulations against illegal waste disposal (4). The projects were implemented primarily to address the significant environmental hazards facing the Santa Gilla lagoon, including pollution from illegal dumping, habitat degradation due to unauthorized constructions, and the overall loss of biodiversity. These activities also aimed to mitigate the socio-economic risks posed by the deteriorating environmental conditions, such as the decline in tourism and sustainable fishing practices (1,2,4). Website of the intervention http://www.sardegnaambiente.it/index.php?xsl=612&s=414806&v=2&c=4577&idsito=19 Principal problems Environmental Degradation Biodiversity loss Soil degradation and loss Poor water quality Implementation area characterization Climate Temperate ( Humid subtropical, Hot-summer Mediterranean, Warm-summer Mediterranean, Warm-temperate with dry winter) Ecosystem Coastal wetlands 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.google.com/maps/place/Stagno+di+Cagliari/@39.2433214,9.0627782,9358m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m6!3m5!1s0x12e7371ecb770125:0xcf13e814048fd2b9!8m2!3d39.2436854!4d9.0405249!16s%2Fm%2F03d8644?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI0MDkxOC4xIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D Area description Urban (main city) Type of area before implementation of the NBS Sea coast (e.g. dunes, beach) Timeline of intervention Start date of the intervention (planning process) 1995 Start date of intervention (implementation process) 2013 End date of the intervention ongoing Present stage of the intervention Ongoing 2. Objectives of the intervention Objectives of the intervention Goals of the intervention To formally protect and manage the Santa Gilla lagoon system through a dedicated regional park structure (1). To clean up illegal landfills, remove hazardous waste, and rehabilitate polluted habitats for long-term ecological integrity (1, 3). To stop illegal fishing, squatting, dumping, and unregulated construction by seizing and securing affected areas (1). To safeguard the lagoon’s unique ecosystems and the many protected species of birds, reptiles, and amphibians that inhabit it (1, 3). To relaunch salt cultivation, develop eco-sustainable fishing, and foster nature-based tourism in harmony with conservation needs (1). To restore pedestrian and cycle paths for nature observation, limit vehicle access, and encourage respectful, low-impact public enjoyment (2). To return the lagoon’s banks to their original condition to preserve their function and aesthetic in line with landscape and environmental goals (2). To engage the public through information campaigns, birdwatching centres to foster environmental stewardship (2). To align local conservation and development efforts with Ramsar, EU Natura 2000, and national/regional laws and designs (1, 3). Key Priorities Biodiversity (conservation and/or restoration) Sustainability challenge(s) addressed Environmental quality Waste management Green space, habitats and biodiversity (SDG 15) Habitat and biodiversity restoration Water management (SDG 6) Improvements to water quality Health and well-being (SDG 3) Creation of opportunities for recreation Social justice, cohesion and equity (SDG 10) Environmental education Economic development and employment (SDG 8) Tourism support What types of restoration goals are / were defined for the NBS intervention? Ecosystem-focused What activities are implemented to realize the restoration goals and targets? Rehabilitate and restore damaged or destroyed ecosystems Restore species (native, endangered, or unspecified) Public engagement Implementation activities and NBS focus Implementation activities -Seizure of illegally occupied areas and 65 hazardous fishing shacks (Ref. 1) -Relocation of indigent occupants with support from social and health services (Ref. 1) -Environmental restoration entrusted to the Port Authority (Ref. 1) -Use of a patrol boat for lagoon monitoring during the operation (Ref. 1) -Reconstruction of pedestrian and cycling paths by the Metropolitan City (Ref. 2) -Restoration of the lagoon bank profiles and cleanup of scattered waste (Ref. 2) -Restriction of motor vehicle access to promote slow, nature-based mobility (Ref. 2) -Provision of land and communication support by CACIP (Ref. 2) - Advocacy for thorough environmental remediation and proper management (Ref. 3) Type of NBS project Ecological restoration of ecosystems Remediation activities of sites with very poor environmental quality Restoration of wetlands (other types than peatlands and mangroves, e.g. seagrass) Protection of natural ecosystems Protecton and enhancement of wetlands (other types than peatlands and mangroves, e.g. seagrass) 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 Coastal wetland, mangroves and salt marshes Amenities offered by the NBS Unknown Design elements for well-being None of the above Services Expected ecosystem services delivered Provisioning services Food for human consumption (crops, vegetables) Water (surface and ground water for drinking and non-drinking purposes) Genetic materials from all biota Habitat and supporting services Habitats for species Cultural services Tourism Scale Spatial scale Micro-scale: District/neighbourhood level Beneficiaries Demographics in implementation area The demographics around the Santa Gilla lagoon primarily include the population of the city of Cagliari and nearby towns such as Elmas and Assemini. Over time, industrialization and urban development have significantly impacted the lagoon and its surrounding areas. The city of Cagliari, alongside major industrial establishments like the ENEL power plant, the industrial area, and the airport, has contributed to the pollution of the lagoon. The industrial and urban waste from these areas, equivalent to the waste generated by a population of about two million people, has heavily polluted the lagoon. This pollution has caused significant ecological damage, including the dying off of fish and other aquatic life, which traditionally supported the local population that relied on fishing. The local population around the lagoon has historically been involved in fishing, but industrialization has altered the traditional way of life, leading to economic challenges for families dependent on the lagoon’s resources. As a result, the area has faced a decline in fishing activities and an increase in pollution-related health issues, contributing to the overall degradation of the lagoon and its surroundings ref 5. Socio-economic profile of the area Mixed income Communities vulnerable to environmental hazards or climate change impacts Unknown Primary Beneficiaries Citizens or community groups Coastal-dependent communities (e.g. small-scale fishers, coastal farmers, and indigenous peoples) Specify primary beneficiaries Restoration projects that improve public access to the lagoon, such as the development of pedestrian and cycling paths, benefit tourists and eco-tourism operators. These interventions enhance the natural beauty and accessibility of the area, promoting sustainable tourism and providing economic opportunities ref 2. The projects aimed at restoring the lagoon’s environment and water quality directly benefit the local communities, particularly those whose livelihoods depend on fishing. By improving the health of the lagoon, the projects support the revival of fishing activities, which are crucial for the economic well-being of families in the area ref 5. Environmental groups, such as Gruppo d'Intervento Giuridico and Amici della Terra, benefit from the successful implementation of environmental remediation and conservation efforts. These projects align with their goals of preserving natural habitats and promoting sustainable environmental practices ref 4. Marginalized groups Unknown Other beneficiaries Local wildlife (e.g., birds, pollinators) Natural habitats (e.g. wetland, forests, coastal areas) 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 Forestry Corps (Corpo Forestale): Led law enforcement actions, environmental investigations, and lagoon surveillance during the seizure. (Ref. 1) Metropolitan City of Cagliari: Funded and coordinated infrastructure redevelopment (e.g., cycling paths, bank restoration). (Ref. 2) Port Authority: Entrusted with environmental restoration and future management of the seized area. (Ref. 1) Region of Sardinia: Supported the strategic framework, including the creation of the Regional Park and earlier pollution control initiatives. (Ref. 1, 3) Other actors involved: Law Enforcement Agencies, Municipal Social Services & ATS (Health Authority), CACIP (Provincial Industrial Consortium of Cagliari), Amici della Terra & Gruppo d’Intervento Giuridico, Ministries of Environment and Cultural Heritage. Key actors - initiating organization Local government/municipality Public sector institution Key actors - Other stakeholders involved (besides initiating actors) Regional government Public sector institution Non-government organisation/civil society Private sector/corporate actor/company Participatory methods/forms of stakeholder involvement (all stakeholders) Co-planning (e.g. stakeholder workshops, focus groups, participatory mapping) 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 Yes Please specify the "local regulation/strategy/plan" The Santa Gilla pond is of great interest from a vegetational, faunal and environmental point of view . It is a wetland of international importance (international Ramsar Convention of 1971, Presidential Decree no. 448/1976, Ministerial Decree 30 September 1980), it is protected by a specific landscape constraint (legislative decree no. 42/2004 and subsequent amendments). It is also included in the regional nature reserve to be established “Stagno di Santa Gilla” ref 3 Relevant strategy or plan Biodiversity strategy or plan Mandatory or voluntary intervention Mandatory (based on policy) Intervention is mandatory Environmental regulation Enablers & Barriers Type of enablers Governance innovations (such as public private partnerships) Please provide details (e.g, name of the plan or strategy) for the selected policies or initiatives. Public private partnerships: The Provincial Industrial Consortium of Cagliari initiatives continue in agreement with the Metropolitan City of Cagliari, which is implementing an important project to recover pedestrian and cycle paths near the Santa Gilla lagoon. ref 2 Governace and decison-making instruments Legislative and regulatory instruments (e.g. laws, strategies, regulations or restrictions) Arrangements for governance cooperation Unknown Barriers displacement: The operation was preceded by the intervention of the Municipal Department of Social Services and the ATS, in order to accommodate two indigents, the only ones who were actually staying overnight in the shacks. For one of them, the intervention of the ATS was necessary as he was in poor health. ref 1 Financing Total cost €2,000,000 - €4,000,000 Please specify total cost (EUR) over two million euros ref 2 Source(s) of funding Public local authority budget Type of fund(s) used Earmarked public budget Non-financial contribution Unknown Co-finance for NBS Unknown Entrepreneurship opportunities Unknown Business models Business models Green densification 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 waste management Achieved improved waste management Water management and blue areas Improved water quality Expected improved water quality Enhanced protection and restoration of coastal and marine ecosystems Expected enhanced protection and restoration of coastal and marine ecosystems Green space and habitat Reduced biodiversity loss Expected reduced biodiversity loss Increased number of species present Expected increased number of species present Description of environmental benefits -Achieved improved waste management Removal of pollution sources from seized areas (1). Enforcement actions and land transfer to the Port Authority laid the groundwork for environmental restoration, curbing active misuse of the lagoon ecosystem. - Expected enhanced protection and restoration of coastal and marine ecosystems & Expected improved water quality : Planned interventions aim to restore natural lagoon functions, improve water quality, and regenerate habitats for local flora and fauna (1,2). -Expected reduced biodiversity loss & Expected increased number of species present: Restoration efforts are expected to benefit numerous protected species, including birds, amphibians, and reptiles listed under EU directives (Ref. 1, Ref. 3). Economic impacts More sustainable tourism Expected more sustainable tourism Increased property prices Expected increased property prices Stimulate development in deprived areas Expected stimulate development in deprived areas Attraction of business and investment Expected attraction of business and investment Description of economic benefits -Expected more sustainable tourism: Infrastructure improvements (e.g., walking and cycling paths) are designed to attract tourist and recreational spending linked to birdwatching, nature trails, and environmental education, promoting local service economies (Ref. 2). -Expected stimulate development in deprived areas: The project aims to revive traditional productive sectors, such as inland fishing and salt cultivation, with improved ecological conditions enabling safer and more sustainable practices (Ref. 1). -Expected attraction of business and investment & Expected increased property prices: Environmental restoration and elimination of illegal land use are expected to enhance land value, improve the area's image, and attract future investment and sustainable development (Ref. 1, 2). Social and cultural impacts Social justice and cohesion Improved liveability Achieved improved liveability Improved access to urban green space Expected improved access to urban green space Health and wellbeing Gain in activities for recreation and exercise Expected gain in activities for recreation and exercise Cultural heritage and sense of place Protection of natural heritage Expected protection of natural heritage Education Increased knowledge of locals about local nature Expected increased knowledge of locals about local nature Safety Improved community safety to climate-related hazards Achieved improved community safety to climate-related hazards Decreased crime rates Expected decreased crime rates Description of social and cultural benefits -Expected decreased crime rates: The investigations of the environmental judicial police have determined that 23 individuals have been charged with the following crimes: illegal occupation of the lagoon area of Santa Gilla, belonging to the maritime state property; deterioration of a habitat in the protected lagoon area of Santa Gilla, compromising its conservation; construction of an unauthorized landfill for various types of waste, including hazardous waste; defacement of the landscape-environment in the absence of a landscape authorization. ref 1 - Achieved improved community safety to climate-related hazards: The removal of hazardous and illegal settlements reduced fire risks, pollution, and the presence of dangerous animals, contributing to a safer and cleaner environment for nearby communities (Ref. 1). -Achieved improved livability: Social services and health authorities intervened to relocate and assist indigent residents, demonstrating an effort to combine environmental enforcement with social care (Ref. 1). -Expected increased knowledge of locals about local nature: The project includes communication initiatives and infrastructure (e.g., ornithological centers, conference spaces), expected to foster public understanding and appreciation of wetlands (Ref. 2). -Expected protection of natural heritage: By supporting the revival of salt harvesting and eco-friendly fishing, the project aims to reconnect local communities with historical livelihoods and cultural heritage (Ref. 1). -Expected improved access to urban green space & Expected gain in activities for recreation and exercise: Development of pedestrian and cycling paths encourages inclusive, non-motorized access to natural spaces, promoting well-being, leisure, and social cohesion through shared use (Ref. 2). 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 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 role of environmental groups in pushing for action, such as the Gruppo d'Intervento Giuridico and Amici della Terra, implies that the government did not take proactive measures initially. These groups had to actively campaign and submit requests to local authorities to initiate cleanup and restoration efforts, indicating a gap in government responsibility and oversight ref 4 Trade-offs & Negative impacts Unknown Please specify Trade-offs & Negative impacts Selected unknown Emphasis of existing social inequalities or injustices Displacement of vulnerable or marginalized communities 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 Ecological change (e.g. ecosystem functions and their distribution) 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 Yes NBS Supports ecological or environmental anxiety Unknown 6. Sources References 1. Regione Autonoma della Sardegna (2020). Tutela dello Stagno di Santa Gilla: il Corpo Forestale sequestra l’area della sponda EST. Accessed on September 20, 2024, [Source link] [Archive]; 2. Consorzio Industriale Provinciale di Cagliari (2021). A spasso nella laguna. Accessed on September 20, 2024, [Source link] [Archive]; 3. Gruppo d'Intervento Giuridico (GrIG) (2013). Chiesta la bonifica ambientale delle sponde di Santa Gilla (Cagliari).. Accessed on September 20, 2024, [Source link] [Archive]; 4. SKY TG24 (2021). Discarica su Ss 195 tra il mare e lo stagno di Santa Gilla. Accessed on September 20, 2024, [Source link] [Archive]; 5. Defendi; Daniele (1995). Reclamation and Restructuring of Santa Gilla Lagoon. Accessed on September 20, 2024, [Source link] [Archive]; Comments and notes Public Images Image photo of the lagoon http://www.sardegnaambiente.it/index.php?xsl=612&s=414806&v=2&c=4577&idsito=19 Image photo of the lagoon https://gruppodinterventogiuridicoweb.com/2013/05/06/chiesta-la-bonifica-ambientale-delle-sponde-di-santa-gilla-cagliari/ Image photo of the lagoon https://cacip.it/a-spasso-nella-laguna/
Image photo of the lagoon http://www.sardegnaambiente.it/index.php?xsl=612&s=414806&v=2&c=4577&idsito=19
Image photo of the lagoon https://gruppodinterventogiuridicoweb.com/2013/05/06/chiesta-la-bonifica-ambientale-delle-sponde-di-santa-gilla-cagliari/
