The wetlands of Oristanese, in Western Sardinia, are invaluable ecosystems, rich in ecological, social, cultural, and economic significance. However, these fragile areas face mounting challenges, primarily linked to water governance and climate pressures.
As part of the OurMED project’s “Acqùa” living lab, the roundtable discussion "The Communities of Water" recently took place in Arborea, bringing together fishermen, environmentalists, and tourism operators. The goal: to foster social learning, address urgent threats, and develop a shared vision for the future of these wetlands and the communities that depend on them.
Key concerns include the spread of invasive species (plants, algae, and animals) and sediment deposits from inlet streams, which hinder water exchange and oxygenation. Although the Regional Administration has recently approved a protection plan for the Oristanese lagoon fishing areas—tasking the Irrigation and Land Reclamation Consortium with urgent interventions—delays in implementing even basic maintenance continue to endanger the wetlands’ ecological balance and the sustainability of related economic activities.
Participants in the roundtable reached a clear consensus: safeguarding these wetlands requires coordinated action and adaptation strategies. Responsibility should not rest solely with the institutions managing protected areas but must also involve other key stakeholders. Notably, the discussion revealed an unexpected alignment between traditionally conflicting interests—such as environmentalists, fishermen, and farmers—who found common ground in co-designing practical solutions to combat eutrophication, sedimentation, and rising water temperatures.
A shared concern emerged regarding the local administration’s lack of capacity to tackle complex environmental issues effectively. The message was clear: only by working together can we protect the wetlands of Oristanese and ensure their future for generations to come.
The time for action is now.
