A large turnout today in Pula, at the headquarters of the Sardegna Ricerche Science and Technology Park in Piscinamanna, for the Second Regional Forum on Protected Areas of Sardinia, sponsored by the Regional Department of Environmental Protection in collaboration with the Gutturu Mannu Regional Natural Park. The initiative is part of the "Protected Places, Open Visions" territorial sharing initiative and brought together local administrators, management bodies, technicians, institutional representatives, universities, and professionals committed to protecting and enhancing the island's natural heritage. The meeting focused on the project to build the new Regional Ecological Network (RER).
Throughout the day, the proposed regional law on the establishment and management of Sardinia's ecological network was explored in depth. Discussions unfolded through plenary sessions and five thematic roundtables focused on governance, enhancement, conservation, planning, and regulation of the protected area system. "This second Forum represents an important step in the reform of the regional protected area system," stated Regional Councilor for Environmental Protection Rosanna Laconi. "The proposed law establishes a paradigm shift: from the concept of constraint to that of protected areas as an opportunity for local and economic development. The participation seen today confirms the need to build modern governance, capable of enhancing Sardinia's environmental heritage as a strategic infrastructure for the future of the island and the quality of life of local communities."
Walter Cabasino, the mayor of Pula and president of the Gutturu Mannu Regional Natural Park, also expressed his satisfaction. He emphasized the importance of directly involving local communities in developing the new regional law. "The discussions launched today demonstrate the importance of building the regional ecological network, starting with local communities and experiences, which will finally be able to advocate for new proposals for establishing protected areas." Giovanni Coinu, associate professor of constitutional law at the University of Cagliari, echoed this sentiment: "This is a law that opens up new opportunities, not only for protection but also for enhancement." Also speaking at the Forum were Matteo Muntoni, director general of the Department of Environmental Protection, and Andrea Dessy, director of the Nature Protection and Forestry Policies Service, who outlined the technical and institutional aspects of the proposed legislation. The day concluded with a plenary session to review the work and a field trip to the Gutturu Mannu Regional Natural Park, an opportunity for hands-on discussion and to enhance the area's natural heritage.