I servizi ecosistemici nella pianificazione spaziale come strumenti interpretativi per la definizione di tassonomie territoriali innovative

The general objective of the dissertation is to analyze the carbon sequestration ecosystem service and to assess its relationship with spatial analysis. Implications in terms of planning policy are identified and explored as well. Carbon sequestration can be defined as a natural phenomenon -photosynthesis - by which terrestrial ecosystems such as forests, grasslands and peat swamps, remove carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere by storing it in the biomass and in the soil. Therefore, green spaces and soil are key players in the global carbon cycle by providing the carbon sequestration ecosystem service. This is the reason why, even small variations in soil carbon concentration could have a relevant impact on atmospheric CO2 concentration and contribute to increase the global temperature. In this framework, spatial planning plays an important role in achieving climate objectives. Many studies combine the remote sensing satellite and carbon data for mapping the carbon pools distribution. Protected areas play an important role in the conservation and maintenance of the natural ecosystems and their services. The negative impact on carbon sequestration is increased by the dynamics of land take. As a consequence, environmental protection measures aimed at reducing urban expansion opportunities are the main road which may eventually drive to a steady long-run conservation of carbon sequestration capacity. A further relevant implication of the results of the dissertation is that regulations concerning environmental protection defined by municipal masterplans are rather flexible, and, in case of land take limitation or prohibition, they can be very specific, and, in so doing, not so much restrictive in terms of land uses, except when dealing with artificialization of land. Finally, the spatial taxonomy of normalized difference vegetation index shows that parcels where carbon sequestration does occur are located not only in non-artificial areas, but also within the consolidated urban fabric. Important policy implications can be derived from these questions. First, the zoning codes of municipal, province and regional spatial plans should either define new areas where land take is either limited or forbidden, or enlarge the existing ones, in order to conserve and possibly enhance carbon sequestration capacity. Secondly, it is of paramount importance that experts in physical and natural science be part of the technical bodies who define and implement planning policies. A third important implication is related to the strategic environmental assessment procedures, which are mandatory with reference to the definition of local plans, according to the Italian General Law on Environmental Protection. Such procedures entail the integration of environmental protection and sustainability-oriented objectives into spatial plans. In the fourth place, since the establishment of new areas, or the enlargement of existing ones, where land take is forbidden or limited, are planning measures effective in addressing the question of carbon sequestration, a detailed spatial taxonomy of land take is needed, especially with reference to the spatial distribution of artificial and non-artificial land parcels and to its evolution through time, in order to define these measures in a proper way. Finally, measures which limit or prevent land take may possibly hinder traditional activities such as rural settlements, farming and grazing activities, and, in so doing, they are likely to generate conflicts which may possibly involve the local communities and municipalities. The questions of participation, information delivery and public agreement on planning decisions should be carefully considered when defining and implementing policies to preserve or improve carbon sequestration capacity and inclusive processes should be projected to support decision-making and plan approval procedures.