The Sardinia Region is considering expanding protected areas to safeguard certain animal and plant species, implementing European directives on biodiversity. However, the agricultural organization CIA Nord Sardegna warns: "Yes to environmental protection, but without penalizing those who work the land."

Under the magnifying glass are the "Special Protection Areas" (SPAs) and the "Special Areas of Conservation" (SACs) , areas identified by the European Union to protect natural habitats and endangered species.

"Anyone who practices agriculture within these areas," Cia explains, "must comply with stricter rules, restrictions, and bans on land management, resulting in higher production costs and yield losses. The proposal under discussion calls for a significant increase in restricted land areas: in the Ozieri Plain, it would increase from 21,069 to 51,833 hectares, while in the Nurra di Sassari area, it would increase from 839 to 9,503 hectares."

Antonio Satta , president of the CIA Nord Sardegna, emphasizes that "the goal of ecological conservation must not conflict with the economic and social needs of rural areas. Environmental protection cannot be at the expense of the rural economy, which relies primarily on agriculture. Including already intensively cultivated land in the restriction, without a clear rationale, risks creating major practical problems for farmers."

CIA Northern Sardinia Director Francesco Uras, however, urges that, before proceeding, "a genuine discussion be opened with stakeholders and local communities. There is growing concern among agricultural entrepreneurs, who risk seeing their business operations limited."

"A concrete example," the CIA emphasizes, "concerns the Ozieri Plain, an important area for the survival of the Little Bustard. Here, existing restrictions limit the use of agricultural machinery during the nesting period, crop rotation, and severely restrict the use of pesticides."