1. General information Location and description of the intervention City or FUA Cagliari (FUA) Region Europe Native title of the NBS intervention Riqualificazione del Viale Buoncammino Short description of the intervention The requalification project for Viale Buoncammino in Cagliari aims to revitalize the historic promenade while preserving its original layout and functions. Launched in September 2022 and completed in 2023, the project focused on enhancing the area’s aesthetic and environmental appeal. Key improvements include expanding green spaces by adding 560 new square meters, enhancing vegetation, and reducing surface runoff. This involves increasing permeable surfaces around existing trees to boost natural vegetation, improve bioclimatic comfort, and manage runoff during heavy rains. The project also includes reconstructing pavements, optimizing seating areas, and repositioning urban furniture for better functionality and aesthetics. A modern LED lighting system will be installed to reduce energy consumption and operational costs, supporting the project's sustainability goals. The area is included between via Anfiteatro, viale Buoncammino and viale Giussani and also includes the squares F.Pilia and Marongiu-Pernis. The project aims to restore Viale Buoncammino as a dynamic social and cultural hub in Cagliari, appealing to both residents and visitors. (Refs. 1, 2, 3 & 4). Website of the intervention https://www.comune.cagliari.it/portale/page/it/viale_buoncammino_una_nuova_prom… Principal problems Climate-Related Hazards Urban flooding (stormwater) Landslides & mudslides Environmental Degradation Soil degradation and loss Land use and Socio-economic change Economic losses due to disasters and environmental degradation Health, Well-being and Social cohesion Insecurity in public spaces Implementation area characterization Climate Temperate ( Humid subtropical, Hot-summer Mediterranean, Warm-summer Mediterranean, Warm-temperate with dry winter) Ecosystem Urban or built environment Address Viale Buoncammino 09123 Cagliari Italy Location The NBS area is spread over a linear space, the GIS coordinates serve as points along a line (e.g. along a river) Area boundary (map-based) Total area 6799.00m² NBS area 6799.00m² Area description Urban (main city) Type of area before implementation of the NBS Mixed-use development (combination of residential, commercial, and/or industrial) Timeline of intervention Start date of the intervention (planning process) 2021 Start date of intervention (implementation process) 2022 End date of the intervention 2023 Present stage of the intervention Completed 2. Objectives of the intervention Objectives of the intervention Goals of the intervention The project in Viale Buoncammino focuses the following goals: -Expansion of green spaces (additions of flowerbeds, grass, trees), improvement of soil, and reduction of surface runoff by desealing and depaving around existing trees, allowing for better water absorption and improved natural vegetation. -Reduction of runoff during heavy rains and enhancement of bioclimatic comfort, making the promenade more resilient to climate change while maintaining its original layout and historical features. -Modernization of the infrastructure by installing energy-efficient LED lighting, significantly cutting energy consumption and operational costs. -Preservation of the promenade’s cultural significance, transforming Viale Buoncammino into a more sustainable, vibrant, and recreational space for both residents and visitors (Refs. 1, 2, 3 & 4). Key Priorities Climate action (adaptation and/or mitigation) Sustainability challenge(s) addressed Climate action for adaptation, resilience and mitigation (SDG 13) Climate change adaptation Environmental quality Soil 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) 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 Climate change adaptation: What activities are implemented to realize the conservation goals and targets? Implement sustainable urban drainage schemes to manage stormwater Climate change mitigation: What activities are implemented to realize the conservation goals and targets? Increase the availability of green urban space for carbon storage (street tree cover) Implementation activities and NBS focus Implementation activities The process begins with assessing the current condition of the promenade and developing a detailed plan to maintain its historical features while incorporating modern improvements. The next phase focuses on reconstructing and upgrading pavements and infrastructure to enhance safety and functionality. In fact, of the total 6,800 square meters, the area dedicated to greenery will increase to 1,548 square meters from the current 987 square meters, as well as adding 60 new trees. The lighting system is modernized with energy-efficient LEDs to improve visibility and reduce costs. The project for the redevelopment of public lighting systems involved the complete overhaul of the systems themselves in most areas: new supports and new lighting fixtures equipped with LED sources was installed. The implementation of a remote control system for individual lighting fixtures was implemented.Final adjustments include landscaping and integrating new urban furniture (Refs. 1, 2, 3 & 4). Type of NBS project Creation of new green areas Creation of any other green urban spaces Maintenance and management of urban nature Maintenance or upgrade of exisiting green spaces (e.g. parks) Ecological restoration of ecosystems Soil remediation and revegetation 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 Amenities offered by the NBS Benches and drinking water stations Viewing and outlook points Design elements for well-being Visual elements (e.g., expansive views, scenic views, natural light, diverse vegetation) Olfactory elements (e.g., floral scents, earthy smells) Services Expected ecosystem services delivered Regulating services Flood regulation Cultural services Aesthetic appreciation Recreation Scale Spatial scale Sub-microscale: Street scale (including buildings) Beneficiaries Demographics in implementation area Viale Buoncammino is located in the Castello neighborhood, one of the oldest and with the most historical value in Cagliari. Castello had, in 2022, 1.359 inhabitants (around 0.9% of the total population of Cagliari); therefore, it is quite a small neighborhood in Cagliari. The average age is around 49 years old, which is distributed in different age groups as follows: 1. 0-14: 103 (8%), low value; there are not many young people living in this area. 2. 15-64: 933 (69%) 3. over 65: 323 (24%) The neighborhood is not particularly characterized by emigration or immigration flows, in fact, the foreign population counts just 7% of its total population. Most of the foreigners in the area come from Bangladesh and Romania. 65% of the households in the neighborhood are composed of 1 single person, 18% of 2 people, 9% of 3, 6% of 4, 1% of 5, and just 0.4% of 6 or more people. Therefore, Castello is mainly populated by single citizens living alone and has an extremely low rate of families (households of +2 components) (Ref. 10). Socio-economic profile of the area High-income 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 main beneficiaries of the Viale Buoncammino project include: 1. Citizens: Local residents will benefit from improved public spaces that enhance quality of life. The revitalized promenade will provide a more enjoyable environment for leisure, social gatherings, and daily activities. 2. Tourists: Visitors to Cagliari will gain access to a more attractive and accessible landmark. The upgraded promenade will offer better amenities and improved access to scenic views, enhancing their overall experience of the city (Refs. 1, 2, 3 & 4). Marginalized groups Unknown Other beneficiaries Native plant vegetation City infrastructure (e.g., reduced flooding, improved water quality) 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 City Administration (Comune di Cagliari): The city administration is responsible for initiating and overseeing the project. They provide the funding, define the project scope, and ensure that the redevelopment aligns with the city's urban planning and development goals. Costruzioni Gestioni Pubbliche e Private (CGP): CGP, as the appointed construction company or project manager, is responsible for executing the construction work, managing the project logistics, coordinating with subcontractors, and ensuring quality control and compliance with regulations Funding was provided by the local municipality, the Italian government and the EU. (Refs. 2 & 6). 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) 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 Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR - Piano nazionale ripresa e resilienza) and the national Strategy for sustainable urban development in Italian Metropolitan Cities(Ref. 8,9) (Ref. 8) If there is a relevant strategy or plan, please specify the theme/type of the plan Other Please specify other national policy instrument Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR - Piano nazionale ripresa e resilienza) and the national Strategy for sustainable urban development in Italian Metropolitan Cities(Ref. 8,9) NBS intervention implemented in response to a local regulation/strategy/plan Yes Please specify the "local regulation/strategy/plan" PON Metro Cagliari strategy (8,9) Relevant strategy or plan City specific green space 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) 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. PNRR and PON Metro Cagliari strategies can be considered enablers for the project (Refs. 8 & 9). The municipality had a partnership with a private actor for implementing this project. EU co-funded the project (8,9) 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 Formal coordination mechanisms to oversee project implementation and decision-making (e.g., multi-stakeholder steering committees, working groups) Information-sharing platforms or networks (e.g. websites for sharing best practices, data or resources pertinent to the project) Barriers A barrier to the Viale Buoncammino redevelopment project was the dispute over the demolition of four kiosks that were operating along the promenade. These kiosks faced removal due to expired concessions, unpaid fees, and alleged violations of space regulations. The affected kiosk operators, some of whom had been working in the area for decades, argued that their structures complied with the original plans and requested the demolition to be halted. They claimed that their longstanding presence and contributions to the community should be considered. This notwithstanding, the kiosks have been closed, and the project has been completed (Refs. 4 & 7). Financing Total cost More than €4,000,000 Please specify total cost (EUR) 5,050,000€ (Ref. 2) What is/was the Cost/Budget (EUR) of the NBS or green infrastructure elements? 3,000,000€ (Ref. 2) 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 Yes Who provided the non-financial contribution? Public authorities (e.g. land, utility services) Type of non-financial contribution Provision of land Co-finance for NBS Yes Co-governance arrangement A fund / grant Entrepreneurship opportunities No Business models Business models Risk reduction model 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 Climate change Energy efficiency improvements Expected energy efficiency improvements Improved resilience against landslides Expected improved resilience against landslides Environmental quality Improved soil quality Achieved improved soil quality Water management and blue areas Increased protection against flooding Expected increased protection against flooding Green space and habitat Increased green space area Expected increased green space area Description of environmental benefits - Energy efficiency improvements: "As a result of the upgrading of the public lighting system, [...] annual consumption will be reduced from about 237000 kWh to about 67000 kWh, with an estimated savings of about 170,000 kWh annually." (Ref. 2) - Improved resilience against landslides: "The project aims to return to the promenade and other areas of intervention large permeable spaces (creation of large flowerbeds), rich in vegetation, which improve bioclimatic comfort conditions, avoid runoff phenomena in case of heavy rains" (Ref. 2) - Improved soil quality: "Both a reorganization and an increase in permeable green surfaces are planned, through desealing and depaving actions of large areas surrounding the present trees." (Ref. 2) - Increased protection against flooding: "The project aims to return to the promenade and other areas of intervention large permeable spaces (creation of large flowerbeds), rich in vegetation, which improves bioclimatic comfort conditions, avoid runoff phenomena in case of heavy rains" (Ref. 2) - Increased green space area: "it is characterised in general by the expansion of green spaces: in an area of 6,800 square metres in total, 1548 square metres will be allocated to green spaces as opposed to the current 987 square metres" (Ref. 5) Increased number of species: "The construction site includes the creation of new pavements, sidewalks, consolidation of edges and steps, street furniture and 60 new trees." Environmental impact indicators Total number of vascular plant species protected or introduced 60 Green space area created (in ha) 1548 Economic impacts Unknown Description of economic benefits Unknown Social and cultural impacts Social justice and cohesion Improved liveability Expected improved liveability Safety Increased perception of safety Expected increased perception of safety Description of social and cultural benefits - Improved liveability: "Redesign the urban landscape, increasing its quality, attractiveness and livability" (Ref. 1) - Increased perception of safety: "Thanks to the upgrading of the facilities, it will be elevated the safety of road users" (Ref. 2) 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 Yes Type of indicators Input indicators Presence of monitoring/evaluation reports Yes Link to monitoring/evaluation reports https://www.comune.cagliari.it/portale/protected/99230/0/def/ref/NVT99229/ Availability of a web-based monitoring tool Yes Link to a web-based monitoring tool http://www.pongovernance1420.gov.it/it/programma/gestione-controllo/sistema-inf… 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 While it is not clear what locals think about this new project, the project has been reported to be problematic for previous businesses located in the area. The planned demolition of the four (illegally started) kiosks has sparked controversy. Operators and longtime vendors who worked in these kiosks felt that their businesses were being unfairly targeted. They argued that the kiosks, regardless of their illegitimacy, have been part of the area for decades and that their removal, which was coupled with unresolved issues with the municipality related to concessions and unpaid fees, could have had severe personal and economic impacts (Refs. 4 & 7). Trade-offs & Negative impacts Economic impacts Temporary or permanent closure of local markets or businesses 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 Most of the project goals were achieved Please specify the achievements of the project goals Climate action goals: - Energy efficiency improvements: "As a result of the upgrading of the public lighting system, [...] annual consumption will be reduced from about 237000 kWh to about 67000 kWh, with an estimated savings of about 170,000 kWh annually." (Ref. 2) - Improved resilience against landslides: "The project aims to return to the promenade and other areas of intervention large permeable spaces (creation of large flowerbeds), rich in vegetation, which improve bioclimatic comfort conditions, avoid runoff phenomena in case of heavy rains" (Ref. 2) - Improved soil quality: "Both a reorganization and an increase in permeable green surfaces are planned, through desealing and depaving actions of large areas surrounding the present trees." (Ref. 2) - Increased protection against flooding: "The project aims to return to the promenade and other areas of intervention large permeable spaces (creation of large flowerbeds), rich in vegetation, which improves bioclimatic comfort conditions, avoid runoff phenomena in case of heavy rains" (Ref. 2) - Increased green space area: "it is characterised in general by the expansion of green spaces: in an area of 6,800 square metres in total, 1548 square metres will be allocated to green spaces as opposed to the current 987 square metres" (Ref. 5) Increased number of species: "The construction site includes the creation of new pavements, sidewalks, consolidation of edges and steps, street furniture and 60 new trees." Long-term perspective Unknown: No information about the project's long-term sustainability. 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 6. Sources References 1. Comune di Cagliari (n.d.). Viale Buoncammino: una nuova promenade per la città. Cagliari: Accessed on August 25, 2024, [Source link] [Archive]; 2. Comune di Cagliari (n.d.). "Riqualificazione Ambientale e Paesaggistica della Passeggiata sul Viale Buoncammino. Cagliari: Accessed on August 25, 2024, [Source link] [Archive]; 3. ANSA (2022). Cagliari, progetto da 3 mln per passeggiata a Buoncammino. Accessed on August 25, 2024, [Source link] [Archive]; 4. Rapeanu, P (2023). Cagliari, ecco il nuovo viale Buoncammino senza radici pericolose e chioschi: 400 metri con panchine e fontanelle. Casteddu Online, Accessed on August 25, 2024, [Source link] [Archive]; 5. Comune Cagliari Newa (2015). Nel viale Buoncammino iniziano i lavori. Più spazi verdi e arredi urbani. Accessed on August 25, 2024, [Source link] [Archive]; 6. Comune di Cagliari (2022). Dettaglio Gara. Accessed on August 25, 2024, [Source link] [Archive]; 7. Rapeanu, P (2023). Giù 4 chioschi tra le lacrime in viale Buoncammino a Cagliari: “Dove andremo dopo 40 anni?”. Casteddu Online, Accessed on August 25, 2024, [Source link] [Archive]; 8. Italian Government (n.d.). PNRR: rivoluzione verde e transizione ecologica. Accessed on August 25, 2024, [Source link] [Archive]; 9. Metro Plus e Città Medie Sud (n.d.). Città Metro Plus. Accessed on August 25, 2024, [Source link] [Archive]; 10. Comune di Cagliari (2022). Atlante Demografico di Cagliari 2022. Cagliari: Accessed on August 25, 2024, [Source link] [Archive]; Comments and notes Public Images Image Image of the requalified area thanks to the implementation of the project. Comune di Cagliari. n.d. “Viale Buoncammino: Una Nuova Promenade per La Città.” Comune Di Cagliari. Accessed August 25, 2024. https://www.comune.cagliari.it/portale/page/it/viale_buoncammino_una_nuova_promenade_per_la_citta?contentId=FPR165692. Image Image of the requalified area thanks to the implementation of the project. Comune di Cagliari. n.d. “Viale Buoncammino: Una Nuova Promenade per La Città.” Comune Di Cagliari. Accessed August 25, 2024. https://www.comune.cagliari.it/portale/page/it/viale_buoncammino_una_nuova_promenade_per_la_citta?contentId=FPR165692. Image Image of the requalified area thanks to the implementation of the project. Comune di Cagliari. n.d. “Viale Buoncammino: Una Nuova Promenade per La Città.” Comune Di Cagliari. Accessed August 25, 2024. https://www.comune.cagliari.it/portale/page/it/viale_buoncammino_una_nuova_promenade_per_la_citta?contentId=FPR165692.
Image Image of the requalified area thanks to the implementation of the project. Comune di Cagliari. n.d. “Viale Buoncammino: Una Nuova Promenade per La Città.” Comune Di Cagliari. Accessed August 25, 2024. https://www.comune.cagliari.it/portale/page/it/viale_buoncammino_una_nuova_promenade_per_la_citta?contentId=FPR165692.
Image Image of the requalified area thanks to the implementation of the project. Comune di Cagliari. n.d. “Viale Buoncammino: Una Nuova Promenade per La Città.” Comune Di Cagliari. Accessed August 25, 2024. https://www.comune.cagliari.it/portale/page/it/viale_buoncammino_una_nuova_promenade_per_la_citta?contentId=FPR165692.
Image Image of the requalified area thanks to the implementation of the project. Comune di Cagliari. n.d. “Viale Buoncammino: Una Nuova Promenade per La Città.” Comune Di Cagliari. Accessed August 25, 2024. https://www.comune.cagliari.it/portale/page/it/viale_buoncammino_una_nuova_promenade_per_la_citta?contentId=FPR165692.
