In Sardinia, the water crisis is no longer simply the result of increasingly dry seasons. Another factor is the fragility of a water system that loses more than half of the available water before it reaches its destination. This network is transforming climate change into a truly permanent emergency, with devastating economic consequences. Every year , the island's agriculture and livestock sectors pay a price measured in tens of millions of euros , and 2025 marked one of the most critical moments, especially in Northern Sardinia. The situation in Nurra is emblematic, where water shortages have resulted in losses exceeding 30 million euros, with another 10 million related to related industries. The numbers reveal a reality that is now structural: drought now accounts for 80 percent of the total damage caused by natural disasters, intertwining the effects of climate change with water resource management that continues to show profound limitations.

This is the picture that emerged in Sassari, at the second regional meeting of the initiative promoted by Coldiretti. This series of discussions across the regions is forcefully highlighting critical issues that can no longer be postponed and the need for structural decisions. The Nurra region is a prime example of this, with losses of €30 million, including lost production and crops never planted due to water restrictions. This is compounded by another €10 million in related activities. Figures reveal an unprecedented situation: 940 hectares of corn were left uncultivated: no sowing was possible; of the 700 hectares of alfalfa-forage crop, 70% were lost; of the 1,150 hectares of vineyards, a 30% loss of production was recorded; in olive growing, a 50% decrease in production was recorded on 350 hectares of cultivated land; vegetable cultivation, normally covering 600 hectares, was eliminated; between artichoke and orchards, on 220 hectares, 40% of production was lost.

Coldiretti Nord Sardegna is scrutinizing the loss of water networks, which weighs like a condemnation. Drastically reducing—or even eliminating—this percentage would overcome many of the critical issues related to the drought, reducing economic damage and drastically reducing the need for public assistance. "The absolute priority is to address the water networks," emphasizes "because it is unacceptable to continue losing half of the available water while farmers and ranchers are forced to abandon production." In Northern Sardinia, Fois continues, "the . The . Businesses are paying a very high price, and the Region must provide an immediate response that can no longer be postponed." We need strong, structured planning that focuses on network investments and resource management," he continues. "Otherwise, we will continue to increasingly impact the stability of businesses, the confidence of young farmers, and the permanence of families in rural areas, fueling depopulation and a growing demand for public intervention."