Nature-Based Solutions and City Planning: A Study Related to the Preliminary Masterplan of Cagliari, Italy

Abstract

The nature-based solutions are spatial planning measures implemented to restore and protect ecosystems and their capacity of supplying services, and to support the local communities, by leveraging on natural resources and enhancing the quality of natural contexts. The conceptual and technical methodological approach of this study considers nature-based solutions as urban planning tools aimed at mitigating heat waves, especially in densely urbanized areas, and at boosting several environmental, economic and social beneficial impacts thereof. A set of planning policies based on nature-based solutions are discussed as regards the definition of the preliminary Masterplan of Cagliari, the capital city of Sardinia, an Italian insular region. The nature-based solutions are identified with reference to the framework proposed by the European Environment Agency concerning adaptation to climate change and environmental risk reduction, which builds on a set of spatial profiles focused on water resources, forests and woodlands, agricultural production, urban areas and coastal zones.