Sardinia

Sardinia

Sardinia is an Italian region with a special statute of about 1,600,000 inhabitants with the capital Cagliari.
The Autonomous Region of Sardinia was established in 1948 and is administratively divided into four provinces, a metropolitan city and 377 municipalities.

Etymology –
The etymology of the name “Sardinia” is not entirely clear and there are several theories about it. One of the most accredited hypotheses is that the name derives from the Latin word “Sardinia”. According to this theory, the term “Sardinia” could be a latinisation of a pre-Latin term which originally indicated the island.
Another theory suggests that the name “Sardinia” may derive from the Phoenician word “Shardan”, which referred to the Shardana, a warrior people of the Mediterranean Sea. The Shardana may have been the first documented inhabitants of the island and the name may have originated from them.
However, there is no definitive consensus as to what the exact etymology of the name “Sardinia” is. Some scholars suggest that it may be a word of Indo-European origin, while others speculate that it may be related to other ancient Mediterranean languages. The lack of ancient written sources and the complexity of the island’s history make it difficult to determine the origin of the name “Sardinia” with certainty.
In summary, the etymology of the name “Sardinia” remains a subject of debate among scholars and there is no definitive explanation.

Geographic Features –
Sardinia is an island located in the western Mediterranean Sea, approximately south of Corsica and north of Tunisia. Here are some geographical features of Sardinia:
– Size: Sardinia is the second largest island in the Mediterranean (after Sicily) and the fourth largest island in Italy. It has an area of about 24,090 square kilometers.
– Coast: Sardinia has a very long coast, which extends for about 1,849 kilometres. The coast is characterized by numerous bays, inlets and sandy beaches. Some of the more popular beaches include Costa Smeralda, Chia beach, Porto Pino beach, and Stintino beach.
– Mountains: The interior of Sardinia is mountainous, with a number of mountain ranges crossing the island. The highest mountain range is the Gennargentu, which reaches an altitude of 1,834 meters with its highest peak, the Punta La Marmora. Other significant mountain ranges include Monte Limbara and Monte Albo.
– Plains: Despite the presence of mountains, Sardinia also has some plains. The largest are Campidano, located in the south-western part of the island, and Ogliastra, in the central-eastern part.
– Rivers and lakes: Sardinia does not have many permanent rivers due to its Mediterranean climate. However, there are some more important rivers such as the Temo River, the Flumendosa River and the Tirso River. As for the lakes, the largest is Lake Omodeo, which is also the largest artificial lake in Italy.
– Islands: Sardinia is surrounded by numerous small islands and islets. Some of the best-known islands include the La Maddalena Archipelago, Asinara Island, San Pietro Island, and Sant’Antioco Island.
– Flora and fauna: Sardinia is characterized by a rich variety of flora and fauna. The island is home to many endemic species, which are found only in this region. The Mediterranean maquis is predominant on the coast, while inland there are oak, pine and holm oak forests. The fauna includes species such as mouflon, wild boar, golden eagle and otter.
These are just some of the geographical characteristics of Sardinia. The island offers a wide variety of landscapes, from breathtaking coastline to towering mountains, making it a popular holiday destination.

Historical Notes –
Sardinia, located in the western Mediterranean Sea, is an Italian region characterized by a rich and fascinating history. The first traces of human settlements on the island date back to the Paleolithic, about 20,000 years ago, as evidenced by the archaeological finds found in the caves of Monte Pilo and Corbeddu. During the Neolithic period, Sardinia was inhabited by populations who built the famous nuraghes, imposing tower-shaped stone structures, a symbol of Sardinian identity.
In ancient times, Sardinia was colonized by the Phoenicians, the Carthaginians and later by the Romans. The Romans conquered the island in 238 BC. and they subjected it to their authority for many centuries. During the Roman Empire, Sardinia became a Roman province and was enriched by important infrastructures such as roads, bridges and aqueducts.
After the fall of the Western Roman Empire in the 5th century, Sardinia suffered numerous invasions by barbarian peoples, such as the Vandals, Byzantines and Saracens. In the 9th century, the island was conquered by the Giudicati, small independent kingdoms that governed Sardinia until the 12th century. This period was characterized by a cultural and artistic flowering, witnessed by works such as the Codex of Torres and the Cathedral of Santa Giusta.
In the 12th century, Sardinia was the subject of contention between the maritime republics of Pisa and Genoa. In 1297, the Pisanis conquered the island and founded the Kingdom of Sardinia. Over the following centuries, the Kingdom of Sardinia came under the control of the Aragonese, the Spanish and finally the Piedmontese, when Sardinia became part of the Kingdom of Sardinia-Piedmont in 1720.
During the period of the Kingdom of Sardinia-Piedmont, Sardinia underwent various administrative and social reforms. In the 19th century, the island was involved in the struggle for Italian unity, and in 1861 it became part of the Kingdom of Italy. During Fascism, Sardinia underwent a policy of forced Italianisation, with the prohibition of local languages and the promotion of Italian culture.
After the Second World War, Sardinia experienced a period of economic and social development, thanks to industrialization and tourism. The island has progressively opened up to the world, welcoming visitors from all over the world attracted by its natural beauty, enchanting beaches and unique culture.
Today, Sardinia is an autonomous region of Italy with a rich cultural tradition and a strong linguistic identity. It still preserves numerous archaeological finds, such as the nuraghi, and has a traditional cuisine characterized by dishes based on fish, meat and local products. Sardinia is also famous for its popular traditions, such as traditional dances and religious festivals.

Ecosystem –
The ecosystem of Sardinia is characterized by a great diversity of natural habitats, ranging from sandy coasts to mountains, from plains to forests. Sardinia is an island located in the western Mediterranean Sea, south of Corsica, and enjoys a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, rainy winters.
The coasts of Sardinia are famous for their beaches and crystal clear waters, which are home to a wide range of marine species. Some examples of coastal habitats include sand dunes, reefs and posidonia meadows, a marine plant essential for the health of coastal ecosystems.
Inside the island there are several mountain areas, including the Gennargentu massif, which houses the highest point in Sardinia, Monte Punta La Marmora. These mountains are covered by forests of holm oaks, oaks, pines and other tree species. They are important habitats for various animal species, including the mouflon, a species of wild sheep typical of Sardinia.
The plains of Sardinia are characterized by fertile soils and are often used for agriculture. Here cereals, vegetables, fruit and wine are grown. Agriculture plays a significant role in the ecosystem of the region.
Sardinia is also known for its unique flora and fauna. There are many endemic species that have evolved only in this isolated region. For example, the Sardinian griffon vulture is an endemic bird of prey that lives in the mountainous areas of the island.
However, Sardinia’s ecosystem also faces some environmental challenges. Soil degradation, coastal erosion, water pollution and human pressure on the natural habitat are just some of the problems the island is facing. There are ongoing efforts to protect and preserve Sardinia’s ecosystem through the creation of natural parks and reserves, as well as biodiversity conservation policies.
In conclusion, the ecosystem of Sardinia is characterized by a great variety of natural habitats, from the coasts to the mountains, which host a rich biodiversity. The region faces environmental challenges, but there are ongoing efforts to protect and preserve this precious natural resource.

Flora –
The animal and vegetable world of Sardinia is fascinating: deer, rare species of birds and a herd of wild horses that lives in the wild, one of the last in Europe. Here the animals live in the midst of fragrant vegetation full of colorful flowers. This natural treasure is kept in national parks and protected areas.
Wherever you visit Sardinia you are accompanied by the aromatic scent of the scrubland. Together with its well-known intense green color in spring the island is covered with a colorful mantle full of flowers. Often the maquis extends to the beach and with its mastic trees, laurel trees, strawberry trees, brooms and rock roses it will make us experience that magical southern atmosphere. During the summer months, the fragrance of typically Mediterranean herbs is also very aromatic, such as: lavender, thyme, myrtle and rosemary, whose scent inebriates the senses. In the gardens and between the houses, the oleanders and hibiscus plants offer us a picture made of intense and brilliant colours. And in the coastal regions the junipers, maritime pines and Aleppo pines which sometimes extend to the beaches, will make us savor an unforgettable atmosphere.

Wildlife –
The isolated position of Sardinia has greatly influenced the natural existence of animals and plants. Nature dominates the landscape and not man. Not even the growing tourism of recent years has affected this balance. Thanks to ever better information and the ingrained awareness of the Sardinians of wanting to live in harmony with nature, a particular relationship with the environment has developed: an unprecedented example in the Mediterranean.
In Sardinia, several protected areas have been established to conserve and protect natural and unique habitats – among these we can mention the Gennargentu National Park. Wild boars, wild cats, Sardinian deer, falcons and golden eagles, mouflons, kites, monk vultures and lamb vultures live in the woods of cork, holly, alders and yews. The highlands are the land of wild horses that still live in the wild, one of the last realities in Europe.
Many fascinating species of birds have found their ideal habitat on the coast: in the countless ponds: lagoons that border the beaches, flamingos, for example, strut their stuff with their pink plumage and which here in Sardinia are affectionately called sa gente arrubia.
The best way to get to know the fascinating underwater universe of Sardinia is to discover it in the many marine protected areas: throughout the Maddalena archipelago in the north and at Capo Carbonara in the south, with a little luck you can spot dolphins but sometimes it is also possible to see one of the rare monk seals which are now on the verge of extinction.

Environmental Protection Actions –
Environmental protection actions in Sardinia include a series of measures and interventions aimed at protecting the island’s natural environment and promoting sustainable development. These actions may concern different sectors, including waste management, the protection of water resources, the conservation of biodiversity and the promotion of renewable energies.
Waste management: Waste management in Sardinia is a crucial issue for environmental protection. Policies and infrastructures have been introduced to encourage the recycling and proper treatment of waste, in order to reduce the environmental impact. Waste treatment and disposal plants were upgraded, separate waste collection was promoted and the population was made aware of the importance of reducing, reusing and recycling materials.
Protection of water resources: Being an island, Sardinia has a limited availability of water resources. To ensure their protection, measures have been taken for sustainable water management, such as monitoring water bodies, promoting water efficiency and preventing water pollution. In addition, investments have been made to improve the water network and reduce water losses.
Biodiversity Conservation: Sardinia is home to a rich biodiversity, with many unique and rare species of plants and animals. To protect this biodiversity, protected natural areas have been established, such as national parks and nature reserves, where protection and conservation measures are implemented. Furthermore, policies are promoted for the protection of natural habitats and for the prevention of biodiversity loss.
Promotion of renewable energies: To reduce the use of fossil fuels and greenhouse gas emissions, Sardinia has encouraged the development and use of renewable energies. Photovoltaic and wind power plants were installed, energy saving policies were promoted and research and development initiatives were supported in the clean energy sector.
These are just some of the environmental protection actions taken in Sardinia. It is important to underline that environmental protection is an ongoing process and requires the commitment of everyone, from institutions to local communities, to preserve and protect the island’s natural heritage.

Guido Bissanti