Relationships between conservation measures related to Natura 2000 sites and coastal land use plans: a study concerning Sulcis (Sardinia, Italy)

A key document of the Council of the European Union, the ICZM Protocol (Protocol on Integrated Coastal Zone Management) adopted in 2008 and ratified in 2010 (Decision no. 2010/631/EU) states that integrated management of coastal zones should be conceived and implemented through a dynamic and flexible approach which implies taking account of the relationships between coastal landscape and ecosystems, and of the uses and land management practices which characterize coastal areas. The ICZM Protocol is very important in terms of technical implementation of theoretical principles concerning costal management and planning into policy-making. In this perspective, Strategic environmental assessment (SEA) is relevant as regards coastal spatial planning since it provides a technical framework to integrate sustainability objectives into economic and social development-oriented policies. SEA processes implement the ICZM Protocol into coastal plans and land management strategies concerning coastal areas. The methodology proposed in this study defines a theoretical and technical approach to ICZM-related planning processes at the municipal (local) level, based on integration of strategies related to different spatial scales. Municipalities adopt spatial plans which regulate land uses in the coastal areas (PLUCs), whereas the regional and national public administrations define policies concerning environmental conservation and protection. The methodological approach is implemented with reference to two coastal towns located in South-West Sardinia, in the region of Sulcis. The outcomes highlight that PLUCs and the environmental protection-oriented plans are consistent with each other as regards themes and objectives. Three specific questions are crucial as regards the integration of social and economic development goals and sustainability objectives, namely relationships between natural ecosystems and services located in the coastal areas, ecosystem conservation and protection, and accessibility of the seashore.