Certification of ecosystem services enhances forest resilience in Sardinia

Sustainable forest management in Sardinia, Italy, is enhanced through FSC® certification of ecosystem services including biodiversity conservation, carbon sequestration, soil and water protection, and recreation. Agris Sardegna supports certification across public and private forests, with the Paraparida de Cusseddu Miali being the first globally certified for five ecosystem services (FSC® SA/FM/COC-001436). Certification involves assessment, application, on-site audit, and surveillance every 5–10 years. Key practices include monitoring carbon stocks, conducting biodiversity surveys, and maintaining water infrastructure. Between 2020–2023, five organizations certified ~790 hectares, including private forests (Masala Antonio, Masu Giannà) and public forests (Monte Sant’Antonio, Alechi se Sardi). Certification ensures traceability via FSC® Chain of Custody and supports conservation financing. Challenges include fragmented ownership and high costs (~€6,500–7,500 over five years). The FSC® GUI V1-128 provides tools for verifying impacts, enabling partnerships with conservation-focused investors.