A voluntary, nature-based governance model uniting public and private stakeholders to manage wetlands sustainably and boost climate resilience, based on a structured Action Plan co-designed with local actors.
The COAST Contract addresses the fragmentation of wetland governance, climate-related threats (e.g., flooding, sea level rise), and degradation of biodiversity in Sardinia’s coastal wetlands. It aims to create a collaborative framework that improves water system health, mitigates risks to livelihoods and cultural heritage, and promotes sustainable development in vulnerable lagoon areas.
See more information about this level and the TRL and SRL levels.
The BRIGAID Business Development Programme has been successfully completed. A MAF+ assessment has been conducted and its results have been enriched and incorporated into a business plan document.
The Coastal Contract (COAST) is a voluntary, multi-stakeholder governance tool for the integrated management of coastal wetlands in Sardinia. It is based on a structured and collaboratively developed Action Plan, which defines around 50 actions co-designed with local stakeholders to enhance ecological quality, biodiversity, climate resilience, and sustainable development. Among these, the Local Wetland Observatory (LWO) is a flagship action, designed and implemented to ensure continuous scientific monitoring and to guide adaptive, evidence-based decisions.
COAST it is structured as a voluntary agreement that brings together municipalities, regional authorities, environmental agencies, civil society, and economic operators to co-develop and implement a shared Action Plan for the Oristano coastal wetland system.
The process began with participatory mapping of local challenges and stakeholder engagement to define common goals, which were formalized in a Strategic Document and a Negotiated Programming Agreement. The Contract outlines over 50 actions grouped under seven thematic axes, addressing governance, water quality, biodiversity, cultural heritage, climate change adaptation, green economy and environmental education. These actions reflect shared priorities and foster cooperation across municipal and sectoral boundaries.
Among the most impactful actions is the establishment of the Local Wetland Observatory (LWO), developed during the implementation phase of the Contract. The LWO functions as a scientific monitoring hub, providing continuous data to support adaptive and evidence-based decision-making. It enhances the integration of scientific knowledge into governance, enables stakeholders to assess ecosystem trends, and aligns interventions with both environmental needs and local priorities. It also plays a key role in promoting transparency, public awareness, and trust among participating communities.
The Contract further integrates relevant EU and international policy frameworks, including the Water Framework Directive, Floods Directive, and Ramsar Convention. Technological tools, such as smart monitoring systems and water flow regulation, contribute to improving ecological performance and resilience against sea level rise and flooding.
As a replicable model for wetland governance, COAST demonstrates how multi-level collaboration, science-based planning, and inclusive participation can enable effective conservation and climate adaptation across Mediterranean and European coastal regions.
•Requires sustained stakeholder engagement and political commitment.
•Dependent on multi-source funding for implementation.
•Needs adaptation to local legal and administrative contexts if replicated elsewhere.
A voluntary, nature-based governance model uniting public and private stakeholders to manage wetlands sustainably and boost climate resilience, based on a structured Action Plan co-designed with local actors.
The COAST Contract addresses the fragmentation of wetland governance, climate-related threats (e.g., flooding, sea level rise), and degradation of biodiversity in Sardinia’s coastal wetlands. It aims to create a collaborative framework that improves water system health, mitigates risks to livelihoods and cultural heritage, and promotes sustainable development in vulnerable lagoon areas.
The BRIGAID Business Development Programme has been successfully completed. A MAF+ assessment has been conducted and its results have been enriched and incorporated into a business plan document.
The main components of the system have been tested separately, and an initial integration exercise has been conducted.
The Coastal Contract (COAST) is a voluntary, multi-stakeholder governance tool for the integrated management of coastal wetlands in Sardinia. It is based on a structured and collaboratively developed Action Plan, which defines around 50 actions co-designed with local stakeholders to enhance ecological quality, biodiversity, climate resilience, and sustainable development. Among these, the Local Wetland Observatory (LWO) is a flagship action, designed and implemented to ensure continuous scientific monitoring and to guide adaptive, evidence-based decisions.
COAST it is structured as a voluntary agreement that brings together municipalities, regional authorities, environmental agencies, civil society, and economic operators to co-develop and implement a shared Action Plan for the Oristano coastal wetland system.
The process began with participatory mapping of local challenges and stakeholder engagement to define common goals, which were formalized in a Strategic Document and a Negotiated Programming Agreement. The Contract outlines over 50 actions grouped under seven thematic axes, addressing governance, water quality, biodiversity, cultural heritage, climate change adaptation, green economy and environmental education. These actions reflect shared priorities and foster cooperation across municipal and sectoral boundaries.
Among the most impactful actions is the establishment of the Local Wetland Observatory (LWO), developed during the implementation phase of the Contract. The LWO functions as a scientific monitoring hub, providing continuous data to support adaptive and evidence-based decision-making. It enhances the integration of scientific knowledge into governance, enables stakeholders to assess ecosystem trends, and aligns interventions with both environmental needs and local priorities. It also plays a key role in promoting transparency, public awareness, and trust among participating communities.
The Contract further integrates relevant EU and international policy frameworks, including the Water Framework Directive, Floods Directive, and Ramsar Convention. Technological tools, such as smart monitoring systems and water flow regulation, contribute to improving ecological performance and resilience against sea level rise and flooding.
As a replicable model for wetland governance, COAST demonstrates how multi-level collaboration, science-based planning, and inclusive participation can enable effective conservation and climate adaptation across Mediterranean and European coastal regions.
Not a member yet?
No worries, you can register here.
Name field No Space Allowed.
Already a member? login here
Not a member yet?
No worries, you can register here.
You know what they say, sharing is caring! You can share this innovation with as many people you feel will be interested in it.
Tip: include a message about why it caught your eye.
Did something peak your interest? You can share any questions, praises, comments, or concerns and the company will recieve them directly. No need for middle-men here.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.
