A bottom up initiative for biodiversity: ecologic reppresentation for the inner areas of Sardinia

Since 1992 with the Rio Conference and more after 2010 with the start of Italian National Strategy for Biodiversity (NSB), planning research and practices are trying to likewise analyze and integrate biological diversity. Even though biodiversity plays an important role for all living species and the loss of biological variety has also made ecosystems weaker in front of natural disasters, it is still an hidden topic in public opinion and debates. This article discuss the limits of the main normative framework about biodiversity with a focus about NSB central objectives. Even though local administrations are involved by the consequences of biodiversity loss, they are not aware about their responsibilities and NSB do not directly engaged them to propose plans and policies. In this regards, a pilot study is outlined, describing a bottom up participative initiative which has involved 6 inner areas of Sardinia on the themes of NSB. Several geographical analyses were produced and a tentative analytic representation of biodiversity was set and used in the inclusive participatory planning process. The article describe in methodological term a ecologic representation (ecologic mosaic and graph analysis) and how it enabled 6 local authorities to start the discussion on local planning perspectives with concern about biodiversity. Finally, a serious of critical issues pertaining the case study are discussed to open the debate for further development.