Demonstrator #4

Oristano, Italy

Key Facts

The coastal area of the Oristano Gulf (Sardinia, Italy) is characterized by a complex system of wetlands and Mediterranean biodiversity hotspot that justifies the presence of an extremely high number of protected areas. The area has seen a rapid increase of environmental problems and subsequent loss of biodiversity and ecosystem productivity.

Actions and expected results

  • Water systems (rivers/lakes and wetlands). In the upstream of wetlands, the habitats along the affluents are severely degraded by climate change impacts, adding to them being surrounded by intensive land use activities (Agriculture, animal husbandry, industry, mining), leading to high nutrient loads. This phenomenon contributes to the eutrophication of downstream water bodies, often intensified by to water scarcity of upstream affluents. Among these, the biggest reservoir in Sardinia is drinking water for a large share of the population.
  • Nature conservation, offering cultural and natural heritage and linked to tourism. Nature-based solutions will be implemented, corresponding to smart grid and gates for emergency opening in case of extreme flood events will be installed. Also, an innovative monitoring system will be introduced to improve environmental knowledge for planning opportune mitigation actions in case of critical conditions of the lagoon.

The project will ensure the involvement of locals through a consolidated participatory approach within the Coastal contract process. It will also create a publicly available toolkit and a user manual for wide replicability in all the Gulf of Oristano and the rest of the Sardinia island.

Partners Involved

CMCC - Centro Euro-MEditerraneo sui Cambiamenti Climatici
MED SEA