When visiting Sardinia last year, I returned to one of my favourite spots, Chia, in the municipality of Domus De Maria. The thing I love most about Chia is the magnificence of its natural environment. Fresh air, an abundance of green life, natural wetlands that are home to flamingos and other wading birds, pristine beaches with crystal clear waters. Or maybe it is the majestic eucalyptus trees that make me feel most at home.
This coastal area has been recognised by the European Union as a Site of Community Importance (SCI). This zone was also forms part of the Natura 2000 network and was part of the PROVIDUNE project that ran from 2009 to 2013 and funded by the EU. These projects were centred around protecting the beach and its dune habitat, and getting people to work with nature rather than against it.
The Provinces of Caserta and Matera, Cagliari, the University of Cagliari(Centre for the Preservation of Biodiversity, and Coastal and Natural Underwater Environment Observatory) and the Association TECLA participated in this project with the municipality of Domus De Maria as co-founder.
Geologists and botanists studied the habitat between 2009 and 2013, developing guidelines and best practices for conservation. All local agencies shared the tasks of preserving, managing and informing for conservation.
What has it achieved?
- A scientific acquaintance of the whole beach system from dunes to the seabeds and surrounding vegetation.
- The grounds of the modification of the habitat, attributable to natural processes and/or human presence.
- Constant monitoring allowed for improvement of the effectiveness of actions for safeguarding and management.
- Promoting public awareness and environmental education.
Visiting Chia reminds me just how important it is to develop and implement strategies not only to create more green spaces but also to effectively safeguard and manage our existing natural environment. Business, government, developers, community groups, education and industry bodies are working to increasing public awareness about key environmental and sustainability issues. This is paramount to achieving behavioural change within our communities. Our surrounding environment forms part of our home and the responsibility for change starts with each and every one of us. We all must take steps to protect and nurture the natural environment and ensure the reduction of our environmental footprint.
Make time to go outside and appreciate your local environment and connect with your local community.
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- Chantal Tenace
