Case Study 2
Villasimius and Capo Carbonara: Climate Adaptation Through Nature-Based Coastal Management
Location: Villasimius and the Capo Carbonara Marine Protected Area, south-eastern Sardinia
Theme: Coastal erosion, biodiversity, climate adaptation and destination management
Why it matters: The case demonstrates how a tourism-intensive coastal locality can explore climate adaptation through the restoration and protection of natural systems rather than relying only on conventional coastal-defence infrastructure.
Villasimius is one of Sardinia’s best-known coastal tourism areas. Its beaches, marine landscapes, protected waters and recreational assets generate significant seasonal visitor demand. At the same time, the area is exposed to the risks facing many Mediterranean destinations: coastal erosion, storm impacts, pressure on beaches and marine habitats, and the long-term effects of climate change.
In 2024, the Sardinian Regional Department for Environmental Protection announced work on a Climate Action Plan for Villasimius under the NaTour4Cchange project. The plan focuses on the Capo Carbonara Marine Protected Area and is intended to identify nature-based solutions capable of mitigating coastal erosion and protecting marine ecosystems.[regione.sardegna]
The importance of this initiative lies in its approach. Coastal erosion is often addressed through hard engineering, such as seawalls, breakwaters or beach nourishment. Such measures may sometimes be necessary to protect people and essential infrastructure. However, they can also alter sediment flows, shift erosion to adjacent areas, increase maintenance needs or weaken natural coastal processes if applied without a wider systems assessment.
Nature-based solutions seek to work with ecological processes. Depending on site conditions, they may include dune restoration, revegetation, protection of Posidonia oceanica meadows, wetland recovery, reduction of trampling, improved beach access, managed parking, restoration of sediment processes and limits on development in exposed areas.
| Adaptation component | Potential role in Villasimius and similar Sardinian coastal areas |
|---|---|
| Dune restoration | Stabilises sediment, supports specialist biodiversity and provides a natural buffer against wind and wave action |
| Controlled beach access | Reduces trampling and informal routes that weaken dune vegetation and increase erosion |
| Posidonia protection | Supports marine biodiversity and seabed stability while contributing to coastal resilience |
| Visitor and vehicle management | Reduces pressure from parking, uncontrolled access and high seasonal concentration |
| Coastal monitoring | Tracks shoreline change, habitat condition, visitor use and the effectiveness of interventions |
| Participatory planning | Connects scientific evidence with municipalities, protected-area managers, residents, businesses and visitors |
| Climate-risk integration | Ensures that tourism facilities, access infrastructure and public investment account for future coastal change |
This is not evidence that the Villasimius Climate Action Plan has already delivered measurable reductions in erosion or ecosystem recovery. The programme should be considered an active adaptation-planning process, not a completed outcome.
Its value for Sardinia lies in the model it proposes: tourism, biodiversity and climate adaptation should be addressed together. The management of beaches, dunes, coastal access, marine habitats and visitor infrastructure cannot be separated if a destination is to remain resilient.
For destination managers, the key lesson is that coastal resilience should be incorporated before new development, not only after a beach, habitat or infrastructure asset has been damaged. Decisions on car parks, beach facilities, coastal paths, moorings, accommodation and public access can either increase exposure or support natural adaptation.
Evidence limitation: Before publication, this case study should be updated with the approved Climate Action Plan, specific pilot locations, financing arrangements, baseline indicators, delivery partners, public consultation outcomes and evidence of implementation.