3. Natural Capital and Biodiversity
Implications for Sustainable Destination Development
Sardinia’s biodiversity is not a peripheral environmental consideration. It is part of the territorial foundation on which the island’s visitor economy, local livelihoods, cultural identity and climate resilience depend.
The evidence reviewed in this chapter indicates that Sardinia has significant ecological assets: diverse terrestrial and marine ecosystems, a substantial protected-area network, endemic flora, wetlands of international importance, ecological corridors and marine habitats such as Posidonia oceanica meadows. These systems contribute to coastal stability, water regulation, climate adaptation, landscape quality, outdoor recreation, fisheries, local food systems and the distinctive character of the island.
At the same time, biodiversity cannot be assumed to be secure because an area has protected status or because it is widely valued by visitors. Ecological condition may be affected by fragmentation, coastal development, unmanaged access, anchoring, pollution, water stress, wildfire, invasive species and climate change. The pressures vary considerably by ecosystem and location.
The strategic implication is that Sardinia should manage biodiversity as a core component of destination performance.
| Management need | Why it matters | Suggested direction |
|---|---|---|
| Monitor ecological condition | Protection coverage alone does not show whether habitats and species are improving or declining | Establish destination-relevant reporting on priority habitats, water quality, coastal erosion, visitor use and restoration outcomes |
| Protect ecological connectivity | Isolated protected sites may be less resilient to climate change and land-use pressure | Integrate ecological corridors into regional and municipal spatial planning |
| Manage access to sensitive sites | Visitor use can create disturbance, erosion, waste and habitat damage if unmanaged | Use site-specific booking, zoning, guided access, seasonal restrictions and visitor information where evidence supports them |
| Link marine conservation and tourism | Marine recreation depends on healthy coastal and seabed ecosystems | Strengthen anchoring controls, mooring systems, waste prevention, water-quality monitoring and operator guidance |
| Protect wetlands and lagoons | Wetlands provide biodiversity, hydrological, cultural and landscape benefits | Coordinate water governance, pollution prevention, access management and environmental interpretation |
| Connect biodiversity with local value | Conservation is more durable when communities can participate and benefit appropriately | Support local guiding, research, education, restoration work and low-impact enterprise where compatible with ecological objectives |
| Build climate resilience through nature | Ecosystems can reduce exposure to erosion, heat, flood and water stress | Prioritise restoration of dunes, wetlands, forests, seagrass meadows and other nature-based systems |
These directions should not be treated as generic sustainability language. Each requires measurable objectives, clearly defined institutional responsibility, funding, monitoring and public reporting.
For example, a coastal dune-restoration programme should not be considered successful merely because fencing or signage has been installed. Its performance should be assessed through vegetation recovery, erosion trends, visitor compliance, access design, maintenance arrangements and resident and visitor understanding.
Similarly, a marine protected area should not be assessed only by the area of sea within its boundary. Relevant indicators include habitat condition, water quality, fishing and boating pressure, anchoring compliance, visitor activity, enforcement capacity, stakeholder participation and the condition of priority species.
The main conclusion is that biodiversity protection and destination development should be planned together from the outset. Where environmental limits are ignored, tourism can erode the very resources on which it depends. Where ecological condition is understood, monitored and protected, tourism can become a source of support for restoration, education, local enterprise and long-term destination value.
The next chapter examines Sardinia’s marine and coastal systems in greater detail, focusing on beaches, dunes, marine habitats, coastal development, visitor pressure, erosion, pollution, climate exposure and the management of access to the sea.