Sardinian Protected Areas approaching jointly the international ecotourism market

2 National Parks, 11 Regional Natural Parks, 5 Marine Protected Areas, 26 natural Monuments, 92 N2000 sites constitute the protection system of the Sardinian territory. 450 km of coast, 24.500 hectares of mainland and over... [ view full abstract ]

2 National Parks, 11 Regional Natural Parks, 5 Marine Protected Areas, 26 natural Monuments, 92 N2000 sites constitute the protection system of the Sardinian territory. 450 km of coast, 24.500 hectares of mainland and over 78.000 hectares of sea are directly protected by this system. These areas are for some reasons - concentration of landscape, natural and cultural values, as well as leisure and gastronomic values – connected to the “key areas” of tourism, which is one of the most important economic activities in Sardinia. This is the reason why the protected areas became extraordinary laboratories of best practices for sustainable development. This happens on the basis of in-depth studies on natural and cultural values and risks related to the usage. In some protected areas, where the management activity has already been set, it is now possible to count measurable conservation results, with a considerable reserve effect in particular on fish communities. However, protected areas are also extraordinary places where the quality of the environment is associated with a higher quality of life, not only for its residents, but also for those coming for leisure. The quality of the environment, the quality of services, the quality of cultural and tourist offer, the quality of typical food products represent overwhelming attraction factors for those seeking wellness. For this reason, the protected areas of Sardinia welcome visitors to experience how to practice the sustainable development.

The autonomous region of Sardinia has purposley used a system of regional conservation to promote its tourist image of excellance worldwide, thus promoting its quality of life.