Among the several ecosystem services provided by seagrasses, saltmarshes and mangroves, carbon sequestration and long-term storage in sediments is receiving increasing attention as a possible nature-based solution contributing to climate change mitigation. Therefore, an inventory of available data on the carbon stocks of blue carbon (BC) ecosystems is of crucial importance to understand the extent of the contribution of such a nature-based solution and to guide management practices towards conservation and restoration strategies. In this study we reviewed the state of knowledge on carbon stocks of European BC systems in protected and unprotected sites, with the aim to emphasize their role as key ecosystem service providers that should be included in conservation priorities. A systematic review approach was used to assess the literature focusing on European seagrass and saltmarsh habitats. A total of 661 data were extracted from 47 papers out of 832 retrieved that were published between 1994 and 2023. Most of the sites of the 18 countries inventoried were protected under the Natura 2000 Habitats Directive (EU countries) or were Special Areas of Conservation (non-EU counties). The top meter soil Corg stocks (kg Corg m^-2) of seagrass habitats was significantly higher in protected sites than in unprotected sites, but not in saltmarsh habitats. The results of this study provided baseline information on BC systems at the European level and revealed a lack of data in most of the Mediterranean basin, suggesting the need to increase the spatial coverage of carbon stock studies, especially in Mediterranean Marine Protected Areas. In this context, protected areas can serve as valuable laboratories to test the effectiveness of protection on the potential of the BC systems and can help to provide a more comprehensive picture of their potential role in climate change mitigation.

The objective of this project is to assess and quantify the ecosystem services (ES) provided by urban regeneration interventions through the application of Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) framework. This research will contribute to important issues such as sustainability, economic support, biodiversity protection and informed policy-making. The project started with an extensive review of contemporary literature to identify the optimal indicators for ES quantification in urban area like squares. However, the literature review revealed a very heterogeneous perspective on both the type and methodology of these indicators, thus making a selection based merely on literature unworkable.

Subsequently, we adopted a structured procedure designed for the monitoring of NBS. This procedure permit to visually representing the project context and the related Theory of change. This methodology maps and traces the observed and presumed causal relationships supposed to influence one or more project objectives, providing a solid basis for accurate planning, management, and monitoring of NBS effectiveness. By documenting the direct threats affecting the objectives and the factors that influence those direct threats, practitioners can identify key intervention points and how to quantify their variations over time.

The project is currently applying this methodology to the analysis of the NBS projects of Piazza della Scienza and the renovation of Piazzale Loreto (Milan) where to monitor some target such as: the concentration of CO2 and PM10, the abundance of invasive species, the thermal comfort, the percentage of impermeable surfaces and the economic budget required for maintenance. To enhance comparability with other case studies and achieve the uptake of current knowledge, the indicators will be based on the EU evaluation framework.

Eventualy we aim to conduct a multiscale and transdisciplinary qualitative-quantitative analysis, enabling a comprehensive evaluation of ecosystem services in their entirety-encompassing ecological, social, and economic dimensions—within diverse territorial and cultural contexts.

This work is a part of PRIN project “New Digital Technologies for full carbon accounting of forests and woody crops” aiming to investigate technological innovations for real time monitoring the 3-D structure of trees, leaves developments, diameter growth and soil GHG exchanges, in order to develop a new Forest and Woody crops Digital Twins, which could become standards for carbon and GHG accounting. In this context, forest ecosystems and fruit tree orchards will be studied, that play a fundamental role as carbon sinks.

Understanding the carbon distribution and respiratory flows along profile is part of an overall carbon accounting picture that is currently fundamental to determine the contribution of terrestrial ecosystems to carbon sequestration, according with all the carbon farming measures and mitigation measures implemented in the Farm to Fork Strategy.

In this study, we defined the distribution of organic carbon and CO₂ fluxes along soil profile in an olive grove of Central Italy (VT), under organic farming for the last nine years (no irrigation, fertilization or soil tillage), in order to explore alternative methodologies of soil respiration measurements based on CO₂ gradient technology rather than closed accumulation chambers. Data from this study were preliminary to the phase of future insertion of CO₂ sensors along soil profile.

In the top soil layer, high values of respiration and microbial carbon were found, whereas the deep soil layers (10-40 cm) had a reduced microbial carbon and activity (about by 73% and 90%), and a lower organic C content (about by 80%), compared to top layer. The striking thing of these preliminary results is that, also in organically managed soil for several years, biological activity and organic C are relegated to the most superficial layer, and CO₂ fluxes from deep soil remains low even when stimulated by ideal conditions of humidity and temperature.

The endemic seagrass of the Mediterranean Sea, Posidonia oceanica, forms extensive meadows that deliver several ecosystem services both underwater and along the shoreline. Like terrestrial plants from which it originates, Posidonia oceanica consistently generates new leaves while discarding the older ones. Under various environmental conditions, substantial quantities of these dead leaves can accumulate on the shore, forming structures referred to as “banquettes”. These deposits, often mixed with sediments, may vary from scattered layers to extensive piles with variable thicknesses from a few centimeters up to several meters. These formations act as natural barriers against coastal erosion since they prevent sand loss and dissipate wave energy. Moreover, the degradation of the washed-up leaves gives back large amounts of nutrients, relevant to the functioning of the coastal food web. In touristic regions, these banquettes are often perceived as a nuisance, prompting local authorities to mandate their removal, thus affecting coastal ecosystem dynamics.

This study proposes the assessment of P. oceanica banquettes along the coastline of the Campania Region (Southern Italy), estimating their biomass and the associated concentration of nutrients and other chemical elements. The main goal is to evaluate the potential loss of natural capital and ecosystem services associated with the removal of P. oceanica banquettes.

The findings revealed that approximately 40 tons of carbon per year are sequestered in the beached biomass along the Campania coastline, equivalent to the annual primary production of about 160.000 m² of meadows. The results of the statistical analysis showed that values of biomass and nutrients remain consistent across different sites, potentially reducing the extensive sampling effort required to collect field data, especially for large-scale investigations.

This study presents a multidisciplinary approach useful for the evaluation of different strategies for the sustainable management of Posidonia oceanica banquettes.

This thesis aims to contribute to the knowledge of the intricate interaction between the services provided by soil ecosystems and the biodiversity within them. The main objective is to understand the relationships that exist between soil ecosystem services and its biodiversity. These relationships significantly influence the ecosystem, and understanding them is crucial for maintaining soil health and productivity.

The investigation uses a dual approach – “top/down” and “bottom/up” – to examine these relationships. The top/down approach involves examining satellite data and relating it through abiotic and biotic factors and ecosystem services. The bottom/up approach is used to link the soil community, biodiversity, and its functions to soil ecosystem services. Integrating these two perspectives allows us to obtain a more comprehensive understanding of soil ecosystems.

The research is conducted in the context of the Inden mining site, which offers a unique opportunity to study soil communities in a disturbed environment with the same soil properties and a unique chronological sequence of sites belonging to the area. The data collected from this site will be normalized and scaled, making it possible to extrapolate the results to a broader geographical area, particularly the North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) region in Germany in collaboration with SOB4ES project.

The goal is to contribute to the scientific understanding of soil biodiversity and its role in ecosystem services. This knowledge is fundamental for developing effective strategies for soil conservation and sustainable land management. Ultimately, the aim is to ensure the long-term health and resilience of soil ecosystems, which are vital for human well-being and environmental sustainability.

Even if air pollution concentrations have declined over the last two decades, the amelioration of air quality remains one of the biggest challenges that Europe is facing nowadays. Atmospheric pollution is still a major cause of mortality and disease in Europe and remains the largest environmental health risk. Particulate Matter (PM) and Ozone (O₃) can be considered some of the most hazardous among the whole of air pollutants. The present study aims to assess how forests can have a pivotal role in the air quality amelioration throughout the Regulating Ecosystem Services (RES) of PM₁₀ and O₃ removal. The case study investigates the role of the alpine forest of the Bolzano Province in providing these RES. Arboreal vegetation contributes to the abatement of PM₁₀ concentrations via deposition mechanisms involving the leaf surface while the O₃ is removed from the atmosphere thanks to the stomata. Considering their morpho-functional traits, the vegetation was divided into two functional groups. A spatially explicit high-resolution modelling approach integrating green cover, remotely-sensed Leaf Area Index (LAI), and PM₁₀/O₃ concentrations data was used. The maps of mean seasonal removal efficiency (kg/ha) and total removal (Mg) were obtained elaborating the data in a GIS environment and performed on a seasonal basis. Finally, the monetary evaluation of both the RES of PM₁₀ and O₃ removal was performed using the externality value provided by the European Environment Agency (EEA) for EU countries for these pollutants. The biophysical and economic assessment of these two RES could support forest managers and policy-makers committed to developing strategies for sustainable development and human well-being.

The ongoing climate change requires the implementation of urgent adaptation measures in alpine areas in order to mitigate the detrimental effects on natural capital and associated Ecosystem Services (ES). Alpine regions, like Trento province in North Italy, are facing significant challenges, including shifts in temperature, altered precipitation patterns and increased frequency of extreme weather events. The objective of this study is to evaluate the most relevant ES in order to support the Climate Change Adaptation Plan (CCAP) for the Trento province, using the river Noce basin as a pilot area. The research began by identifying the most relevant ES provided in the area, including water provision, livestock, carbon sequestration, biodiversity support and cultural services. Effective indicators for each ES were then selected based on available data and suitable methodologies, ensuring that the assessment was comprehensive and context-specific.

The results highlight a heterogeneous distribution of ES within the basin, driven by varying environmental characteristics and landscape patterns. This spatial variability underscores the necessity for adaptive management practices that can address local needs and conditions. The study emphasizes the necessity of incorporating ES assessment in adaptation planning to ensure that alpine areas can effectively navigate the challenges posed by climate change while safeguarding their natural and socio-economic assets. The integration of ES assessment into CCAPs is of paramount importance for the sustainable management of alpine regions, as it provides a framework for the recognition and valuation of the multifaceted benefits that ecosystems offer.

The United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development prioritizes the sustainability of cities and urban ecosystems, aiming at making cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable environments. Nature-based solutions offer a long-term solution to urban environmental challenges by providing several ecosystem services. Green Infrastructures (GI) play an important role in enhancing human well-being by providing ecosystem services that improve air quality, reduce water runoff, reduce pollution from multiple sources, and mitigate urban heat island effects, all of which have significant benefits for human health and municipal budgets. Climate change is projected to raise the demand for these ecosystem services. Many cities are facing the task of ensuring that urban forests, an important component of the urban landscape, remain resilient and continue to offer critical ecosystem services under future climate regimes. In this study, the ecosystem services generated by GI in the Province of Salerno (Southern Italy) were assessed by using the i-Tree Canopy software, which provides a statistically reliable estimate of land cover types using aerial pictures as well as values for air pollution reduction, atmospheric carbon capture, and hydrological benefits. The results highlight the importance of GI in urban areas for improving ecosystem and human health. This study could support urban forest managers, municipal planners, and policymakers to make effective resource management decisions, formulate policies, and set priorities.

The 5th Italian Report on the State of Natural Capital and its recommendations provides important elements to consider in the implementation of the Ecological Transition Plan (ETP), the National Biodiversity Strategy 2030, and the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP). The report recalls the need to act on the principle of "Do No Significant Harm" (DNSH ) and maximize the adoption of Nature-Based Solutions (NBS ). These recommendations should also be taken into account for the achievement of the national goals of energy efficiency by 2030, of renewable growth and CO₂ reduction, etc. as defined by the National integrated Energy and Climate Plan (NECP). In this context, offshore wind farms, which are expected to be developed along all Italian coasts, will play a crucial role in the national energy policy.

Considering that the Mediterranean Sea is characterized by high biodiversity, endemic species and protected habitats, the increase in offshore wind farms must include targeted actions to preserve natural capital and ensure adequate conservation of ecological resources. These infrastructures can cause environmental impacts depending on the type of installation and on the environmental characteristics of the area affected by wind farms. In this context, scientific literature reports effects on marine mammals and fish (noise and electromagnetic fields), marine avifauna and benthic habitats and communities (e.g. habitat loss and fragmentation, structural changes and reef effect).
The development of offshore wind farms should therefore be driven by the protection of natural capital and associated ecosystem services in order to prevent significant effects on the marine ecosystem.

Food systems are currently unsustainable, crossing multiple planetary boundaries and causing significant environmental damage. Food production is considered one of the largest drivers of global environmental change by contributing to climate change, biodiversity loss, freshwater use, land-system change and interfering with the nitrogen and phosphorus cycles. Therefore a comprehensive and radical transformation is required (Willet et al., 2019).

In this context, the Horizon project SWITCH aims to foster a just transition towards healthier and more sustainable food systems. Investigating the barriers and opportunities for change, the project aim to develop practical solutions to support this transition.

One of the main challenges is represented by the assessment and representation of what is sustainable. Current tools like LCA offer standardized protocols for environmental impact assessment, but they focus solely on products and neglect the crucial ecosystem services provided by agricultural systems (Prost et al., 2023).

Agroecology has emerged as a promising approach for food system transformation (Ewert et al., 2023). It seeks to integrate ecological principles with agricultural practices and societal interests, proposing a more comprehensive solution to the challenges facing food systems (Wezel et al. 2020; Gliessman & de Wit Montenegro, 2021).

However, current available agroecology assessment tools such as TAPE (Tool for Agroecology Performance Evaluation) (FAO, 2019) lack of clear links between agroecological principles and their effects on ecosystem services (Schipanski et al., 2016; Mouratiadou et al. 2021).

This research will present the crucial steps towards developing a comprehensive, standardized, and evidence-based framework for assessing sustainability from an (agro)ecological perspective. The framework will then be tested within the SWITCH project to evaluate its effectiveness in capturing the true impact of agroecological practices and its applicability in real-world settings.

At a time when environmental awareness and public health are top priorities, assessing the environmental and nutritional impact of food is essential. To meet this need, we have developed a comprehensive food database within the framework of the European project SWITCH: Switching European food systems for a just, healthy, and sustainable dietary transition through knowledge and innovation. Accompanied by an online tool, this database presents both the environmental and nutritional values of a wide range of foods. This tool aims to help consumers, researchers, and policymakers make informed and sustainable food decisions.

Our database, an update of the SUEATABLE-LIFE database (Petersson et al., 2021), includes three main environmental indicators: carbon footprint, water footprint, and Fish Sustainability Index. The carbon footprint measures the total amount of greenhouse gas emissions produced throughout a food's life cycle, from production to consumption. This parameter is crucial for understanding the contribution of food production to climate change. The water footprint calculates the total amount of water polluted to produce a food, a particularly relevant indicator in times of increasing water scarcity. The Fish Sustainability Index assesses the sustainability of fishing and aquaculture practices related to seafood products.

In addition to environmental indicators, our database provides detailed analyses of nutritional values, including macro and micronutrients. These values were calculated as averages of data from all the European countries participating in the SWITCH project, providing a balanced overview of the nutritional quality of foods at a European level.

Our goal is to provide a practical and accessible tool for assessing the environmental and nutritional impacts of food and to promote more sustainable and healthy food choices. The online tool connected to the database is designed to be intuitive and user-friendly, allowing users to easily compare different food options and make decisions based on accurate and up-to-date data.

Urban air quality is becoming a serious concern at global scale. Emissions due to human activities are leading to profound changes in the atmosphere composition, also affecting ecological functions and processes, and consequently undermining human well-being. In this context, the 2030 United Nations Agenda and related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) highlight the need for addressing this global challenge. In particular, SDG 11 "Sustainable cities and communities" aims to make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable, highlighting the need to implement Nature-Based Solutions useful for improving air quality. Among NBS, Green Infrastructures (GI) can play a crucial role being able to provide a wide range of Ecosystems Services, among which the regulating ecosystem services of Particulate Matter (PM) removal. The present study aims to develop an integrated multi-methodological approach linking air quality monitoring and ecosystem services assessment in urban areas, choosing the municipality of Nola, a highly urbanized area in the Province of Naples (Southern Italy), as a case study. The monitoring of air quality was performed by installing an air station sampler to detect and quantify air pollutants (CO, NO, NO₂, SO₂, H₂S, O₃, PM₁₀, and PM_2.5). Subsequently, the ability of urban vegetation in removing air pollutants was assessed using the i-Tree canopy software. Results show that GI in the Municipality of Nola are not capable of counteracting the high concentration of air pollutants. The results of this study will be useful to policymakers in charge of developing strategies to achieve ecosystems and human health in urban areas.

The coralligenous habitat represents one of the most important marine biodiversity hotspots, playing an important role in the carbon cycle. Coralligenous is a biogenic habitat of the circalittoral zone formed by calcareous structures built by crustose coralline algae and other assemblages of calcifying organisms. Due to its structural complexity, it is also considered one of the most vulnerable marine habitats, very sensitive to environmental changes and anthropogenic impacts, such as climate change and fishing activities. Trawling is the most harmful fishing method that is causing the degradation of large areas of coralligenous reef concretions. Small-scale and sport fishing can also cause damage to the most sensitive organisms of the coralligenous habitat that can be damaged or removed by fishing gear, both during the fishing activity and in the case of the involuntary abandonment of stranded or damaged fishing nets. In this study, the global scientific literature on coralligenous habitat and fishing activities was explored using the VOSviewer software. In addition, the loss of natural capital due to fishing impacts was assessed by implementing a biophysical and tropodynamic environmental accounting model. The investigated study area is the Tremiti Islands Marine Protected Area located in Southern Italy. The results highlight a research gap in the application of ecosystem accounting methods useful to quantify and value natural capital and ecosystem services associated to the coralligenous habitat, and their loss due to human impacts. The results also show a significant loss of natural capital value due to fishing activities in the study area. In conclusion, this study can support local managers and policy makers to achieve sustainable development and biodiversity conservation goals.