Risk management and governance of natural disasters in Sardinia

This chapter explores the governance of natural disaster risk in Sardinia, a Mediterranean island increasingly vulnerable to climate-related hazards such as wildfires, droughts, floods, and coastal erosion. Through a comprehensive analysis of national and regional frameworks, the chapter outlines how Italy and Sardinia address disaster risk through legal, institutional, and planning instruments. Emphasis is placed on multilevel governance, with regional agencies playing a key role in risk prevention, management, and adaptation. Key issues include wildfire prevention, water scarcity, extreme weather events, and the protection of coastal areas and wetlands. The chapter also assesses the integration of climate change adaptation into regional policies, highlighting gaps in urban planning and risk communication. Overall, the study underscores the importance of resilience-building and integrated risk management in safeguarding Sardinia’s ecosystems and communities in the face of escalating climate threats.