Urban planning and ecosystem services in Italy: bridging policy gaps for the ecological transition

This paper investigates the integration of ecosystem services (ES) into urban planning in Italy as a strategic response to the ecological transition. Through a qualitative analysis of policy frameworks, scientific literature, and European case studies, the study identifies key governance gaps, including institutional fragmentation and sectoral silos, that hinder the mainstreaming of ES. Drawing insights from successful experiences in Barcelona and southern Sweden, the paper highlights the importance of adaptive, multi-level governance and context-sensitive planning approaches. It argues for the urgent need to update Italy’s national planning legislation and harmonise soil monitoring systems to enable consistent ES-informed municipal planning. The findings underscore the role of urban planning as the operational 'last mile' for translating global sustainability goals into local actions, and advocate for a renewed planning culture that places ecosystem quality at the core of decision-making.