The regeneration of former military sites in the context of ecological transition. The case of Cagliari, Sardinia (Italy)

The environmental and ecological dimensions are pivotal in territorial governance, which seeks to mitigate human impact on ecosystems, promote sustainable land use, and strengthen green infrastructure and territorial capital. These goals are embedded within urban and land regeneration policies, which encompass strategies for the redevelopment, enhancement, and reuse of existing settlements. Within this framework, the regeneration of former military sites holds significant importance, emphasizing the repurposing of green spaces to augment the ecological potential of soils through the development of green infrastructure. This approach aims to connect green and natural areas, thereby improving ecological resilience, biodiversity, and the quality of the urban environment. In Sardinia, particularly in Cagliari, a considerable number of unused or decommissioned military facilities have arisen from decreased national defense requirements, with some being transferred to local authorities. The military presence in regions of high environmental and landscape value has had a dual effect: it has contributed to irreversible landscape alterations and environmental pollution, while simultaneously preserving natural resources from urban development. This paper examines the potential role of these assets in urban regeneration strategies, with a focus on ecological networks, territorial rebalancing, and the reconnection of urban fabric, thereby enhancing historical, architectural, and environmental heritage.