Funding for Punta Giglio: Selva’s Response and Actions Explained

Sardinia Secures €4.2 Million for Nature Restoration in Alghero’s Porto Conte Park

Alghero, Sardinia – A important boost for environmental conservation in Sardinia as teh Porto Conte Park is set to receive €4.2 million in funding for habitat and species restoration. The funds, sourced from the Growth and Cohesion Funds (FSC 2021-2027), were approved following a project proposal submitted by the Sardinia Region’s Department of Defense of the Surroundings, Nature Protection Service and Forestry Policies in February.

The project, developed by the park’s offices, focuses on restoring degraded areas in alignment with the objectives of the recent European regulation 2024/1991 on nature restoration. Councilor for the environment, raniero selva, highlighted the importance of this funding, emphasizing it as a key achievement for both the park and the wider Alghero region.

The proclamation comes after recent criticism from a previous park board regarding the source of the funds, specifically concerning a project related to Punta Giglio. Selva clarified that the funding request and subsequent approval occurred entirely under the current board appointed during Mayor Raimondo Cacciotto’s governance, over seven months after the previous board’s tenure ended.

“Instead of assessing the merit of this operation, the previous board chose to attack, attempting to claim credit that was not theirs,” Selva stated. He underscored the current board’s commitment to environmental protection and territorial enhancement.

Evergreen Insights: the Growing Importance of Nature Restoration

This funding represents a growing trend across Europe towards proactive nature restoration. The European Union’s Nature Restoration Law, formalized in 2024, signifies a landmark shift in environmental policy, moving beyond conservation to actively repair damaged ecosystems.

Why Nature Restoration Matters:

Biodiversity Crisis: Global biodiversity is declining at an alarming rate. Restoring habitats is crucial for supporting plant and animal life.
Climate Change Mitigation: Healthy ecosystems play a vital role in carbon sequestration, helping to combat climate change. Forests, wetlands, and grasslands are particularly effective carbon sinks.
Ecosystem Services: Restored ecosystems provide essential services like clean water,pollination,and flood control,benefiting human populations. Economic Benefits: Nature restoration can create jobs in areas like ecological engineering, sustainable tourism, and forestry.

The Porto Conte park project will serve as a model for similar initiatives across Sardinia and possibly throughout Italy, demonstrating the practical application of the EU’s new nature restoration framework. The success of this project will be closely watched as a case study in effective environmental funding and implementation.

What specific data from the environmental impact assessment justified Selva’s €2.5 million funding request?

The Urgent Need for Punta Giglio Funding

Punta Giglio, a vital coastal area, has faced increasing challenges due to erosion, pollution, and the impacts of climate change. Securing adequate funding for Punta Giglio is crucial for implementing necessary restoration and preservation efforts. This article details Selva’s comprehensive response to the funding crisis and the specific actions undertaken to protect this valuable ecosystem. The situation demands immediate attention, impacting not only the local environment but also the regional economy reliant on tourism and marine resources. Key concerns include coastal erosion mitigation, water quality advancement, and biodiversity conservation.

Selva’s Initial assessment & Funding Request

Following a detailed environmental impact assessment in early 2025, Selva, the regional governing body, formally recognized the severity of the situation at Punta Giglio. The assessment highlighted:

Accelerated Erosion: coastal erosion rates have increased by 15% in the last five years, threatening infrastructure and natural habitats.

Pollution Levels: Elevated levels of pollutants, primarily from agricultural runoff and untreated wastewater, are impacting marine life.

Biodiversity Loss: Declining populations of key species,including migratory birds and marine invertebrates,indicate a stressed ecosystem.

Based on these findings, Selva submitted a comprehensive funding request totaling €2.5 million to the national government and the European Union’s Coastal Resilience Fund. This request outlined a phased approach to address the identified issues, prioritizing immediate stabilization measures and long-term enduring solutions. The proposal included detailed cost breakdowns for each project component, emphasizing transparency and accountability.

Breakdown of the Proposed Funding Allocation

The €2.5 million Punta Giglio funding allocation was strategically divided into several key areas:

1. Coastal Defense Infrastructure (€800,000): This includes the construction of breakwaters, the reinforcement of existing seawalls, and the implementation of soft engineering solutions like beach nourishment.
2. Water Quality Improvement (€600,000): Investment in upgrading wastewater treatment facilities, implementing best management practices for agricultural runoff, and establishing a comprehensive water quality monitoring program.
3. Habitat Restoration (€500,000): Focused on restoring degraded coastal habitats, including dune systems, wetlands, and seagrass beds. This also includes a native plant reforestation initiative.
4. Research & Monitoring (€300,000): Ongoing research to monitor the effectiveness of implemented measures, assess long-term trends, and adapt strategies as needed.
5. Community Engagement & Education (€300,000): Programs to raise awareness about the importance of coastal conservation and involve local communities in restoration efforts.

Selva’s Actions While Awaiting Funding Approval

Recognizing the urgency of the situation, Selva didn’t solely rely on external funding. Several proactive steps were taken while awaiting approval:

Emergency Erosion Control: Implemented temporary erosion control measures, such as sandbag placement and the installation of coir logs, to protect vulnerable areas.

Increased Monitoring: Intensified water quality monitoring and biodiversity surveys to track changes and inform adaptive management strategies.

Collaboration with NGOs: Partnered with local environmental NGOs to leverage their expertise and mobilize volunteer support for cleanup efforts and habitat restoration.

Securing Regional Funds: Reallocated existing regional funds to support immediate needs, demonstrating a commitment to addressing the crisis.This included diverting funds from less critical infrastructure projects.

Promoting Sustainable Tourism: Launched a campaign to promote responsible tourism practices that minimize environmental impact and support local conservation efforts.

current Status of Funding & Future Outlook

As of August 8, 2025, the national government has approved €1.2 million in funding for Punta giglio, with the remaining amount still under review by the EU Coastal Resilience Fund. Selva is actively engaging with EU officials to expedite the approval process.

Punta Giglio restoration efforts are already underway, with the coastal defense infrastructure project scheduled to begin in September 2025. The water quality improvement project is expected to commence in early 2026, pending final funding approval.

Benefits of Accomplished Funding & Restoration

Successful implementation of the Punta Giglio restoration project will yield meaningful benefits:

Enhanced coastal Protection: Reduced erosion and increased resilience to storms and sea-level rise.

Improved Water Quality: Cleaner water for recreation, fisheries, and marine ecosystems.

Biodiversity Conservation: Protection and restoration of valuable habitats and species.

Economic Benefits: Increased tourism revenue and sustainable economic opportunities for local communities.

Community Wellbeing: Enhanced quality of life for residents through a healthier and more resilient coastal environment.

Practical Tips for Supporting Punta Giglio’s Preservation

Individuals and organizations can contribute to the preservation of Punta Giglio through:

Responsible Tourism: Choosing eco-kind tour operators and minimizing your environmental footprint.

Supporting Local Businesses: Patronizing businesses committed to sustainable practices.

Volunteering: Participating in beach cleanups and habitat restoration events.

Advocacy: Contacting elected officials to express your support for coastal conservation.

Donations: