Territorial Governance for Sustainable Development: A Multi-Level Governance Analysis in the Italian Context

The United Nations’ 2030 Agenda is known for its holistic and global dimension, as demonstrated by the saying “no one left behind”. However, local governments still struggle to take tangible actions and to reallocate resources for implementing Sustainability Strategies. With the aim to improve multi-level governance for sustainable development with complex and cross-sectoral policies, the research investigates how much Regional Sustainable Development Strategies (RSDS) and public authorities’ structures are mutually consistent. Starting from the existing governance framework at the regional and local levels (Province and Metropolitan City), the study analyzes: the organizational structures/functions of the public institutions and the integration between their competences and the RSDS targets. The case study is the Lombardy Region in Italy. The analyses were conducted through a review of key legislations and regulations, and the introduction of a homogeneous reading grid that identifies the principal “Invariant Functional Macro Areas” (IFMA) of local authorities. The paper highlights the structural weakness in implementing and localizing EU Strategic Agendas and examines the extent to which public offices are currently structured to adequately address the RSDS challenges. The research shows how sectoral fragmentation of competence can collide with the holistic layout of sustainability: new integrated approaches are needed to strengthen cross-sectoral dialogue and cooperation within and between public institutional bodies

Territorializing and Monitoring of Sustainable Development Goals in Italy: An Overview

The 2030 Agenda defined 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) divided into 169 targets, applicable everywhere and based on the “No one left behind” principle. Goals and indicators to measure the achievement of the 2030 Agenda have to be localized. The paper presents the Italian current evolution of the territorialization of the SDGs, starting from the global level up to the local one, and wonders if the implementation of the 2030 Agenda takes concrete form with the quantitative monitoring of the SDGs at the local level (municipalities and not only capitals). A comparison among indicators proposed at different levels is set by using an ad hoc comparative reading grid. The analysis highlights that, in Italy, the principal barriers in the territorialization of the SDGs are the lack of data open sources, the proposal of new not adequately validated metrics by institutional/noninstitutional subjects and the progressive loss of relationship with Global indicator framework and targets of the 2030 Agenda. The strategies needed to reach sustainable development are obviously site-specific, but we need to maintain common metrics in measuring performances in relation to the 2030 Agenda. In the Global indicator framework for the Sustainable Development Goals and targets of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, it is possible to find indicators suitable to measure performances at the local level— albeit in a smaller numbers—but in Italy, there is no awareness about this. Italy is completely losing both the opportunity to compare the results of the effort performed by the Municipalities in a rigorous way and the possibility to use strong metrics to support decision-makers’ policies for the future

Unveiling the Soil beyond Definitions: A Holistic Framework for Sub-Regional Soil Quality Assessment and Spatial Planning

The issue of land/soil consumption and degradation has been extensively explored in international literature, yet a universally accepted definition of soil quality remains elusive. Over the decades, the scientific community has witnessed the evolution of the concept of land/soil quality, with varying nuances across different disciplines. The absence of a shared definition poses challenges in addressing local concerns and preserving the distinctiveness and well-being of the soil. The present paper seeks to fill this gap from the spatial planning perspective by proposing a soil quality detection framework tailored for the sub-regional spatial context, offering support in particular for local planning decisions. The concept of soil quality is approached comprehensively, and the indicators put forth are selected based on specific soil functions, services, or threats. To support this all-encompassing approach through a case study in the Italian context, this paper suggests integrating 11 datasets and 55 indicators. This extensive dataset aims to quantify and generate meaningful cartographic representations, offering a multifaceted and detailed understanding of soil quality within the sub-regional context. The goal is to establish a framework that facilitates a more holistic understanding of soil quality, aiding in effective spatial planning and policy-making processes

Method to Support Circular Economy of aggregates (Sand / Gravel)

The objectives of the Green Deal require new circular economy approaches also starting from the management of construction and demolition waste. Circularity processes are affected both by regulatory actions and by physical, urban and industrial geographical aspects. The processes of industrial circularity are inserted in the territory where linear economies already exist by hybridizing them. In fact, localization processes of circular economies present cluster configurations. Furthermore, these circular economies are configured differently in relation to physical geography, to urban centers and transport infrastructures. The paper therefore aims to evaluate two case studies to extrapolate the risks and opportunities of the circular economy from construction and demolition waste (CDW)

Integrating energy strategies and urban planning: overcoming challenges for collective energy initiatives

The study advocates for a qualitative research design to address knowledge gaps regarding Collective Energy Initiatives (CEIs), utilising evidence-based research and a maximum variation principle. Focused on EU countries, the study employs desk research and surveys to identify stages of CEI development and explore impactful practices. It examines initiatives aligned with EU Directives and broader energy transition efforts, categorising them by complexity. Through surveys, the study identifies drivers and barriers to coalition phenomena, aiming to enhance understanding of energy policies’ impact. This approach responds to the need for comprehensive investigations into energy initiatives’ impediments and facilitators, aligning with recent calls for research in this area

MONITORAGGIO COMUNALE DELL’AGENDA 2030 IN ITALIA. Letture per ambiti omogenei nella provincia di Brescia.

Il processo di transizione e sviluppo sostenibile non può prescindere dalle politiche locali. I territori sono il vero cuore dell’Agenda 2030 per lo Sviluppo Sostenibile: sebbene i suoi Obiettivi siano globali, i target sono correlati alle responsabilità dei governi locali e alla loro capacità di fornire servizi alla cittadinanza. Per il raggiungimento degli Obiettivi di Agenda 2030 è, quindi, essenziale delineare Strategie e Agende locali che diano priorità a quei target e Obiettivi di Agenda 2030 che meglio rispondano ai bisogni di ciascun territorio, adattandoli e/o implementandoli in base al contesto. La territorializzazione degli Obiettivi di Agenda 2030 è un’attività complessa, che prevede l’attuazione di molteplici azioni: dalla definizione di set di indicatori locali allineati agli indicatori di Agenda 2030, alla partecipazione dei governi locali, regionali e altri enti territoriali nel collettamento e nella condivisione di dati statistici per il monitoraggio, e nella sensibilizzazione e coinvolgimento della società civile