Towards 2030: efforts for improving the knowledge of Sardinian wetlands, grasslands and coastal systems.

Sardinia, a large Mediterranean island, is a biodiversity hotspot with a remarkable array of unique plant species, many of which are at risk, underscoring its significance as a conservation priority in the Mediterranean region. This PhD thesis explores Sardinia's intricate plant biodiversity through a comprehensive, multi-layered approach across three interconnected chapters: species, habitats, and management strategies. Chapter One focuses on species-level insights, presenting new floristic records and cytogenetic data that enhance our understanding of Sardinia's flora. Key findings include confirmations of native species, changes in the status of alien species, and the first documentation of Ibicella lutea on the island. Chromosome counts for Damasonium alisma and Helosciadium crassipes are also reported, highlighting the critical need for ongoing monitoring and research to inform conservation strategies. Chapter Two shifts to habitat-level analyses, addressing distribution gaps of priority habitats in compliance with the European Habitats Directive. Newly identified occurrences include freshwater habitats (Habitats 3120 and 3170*), coastal habitats (Habitats 1510* and 2110), and fen habitats (Habitat 7210*). Many of these habitats face threats such as habitat loss, climate change, and invasive species, with some remaining outside the Natura 2000 network. The chapter advocates for enhanced conservation measures, including site inclusion in Natura 2000 and increased connectivity to ensure long-term preservation. Chapter Three delves into management strategies for three major environments: freshwater, grassland, and coastal habitats. Through four articles, it investigates the impacts of environmental and anthropogenic changes on these ecosystems. Highlights include the effects of meteorological variability and wild boar disturbances on Mediterranean temporary ponds, the influence of rainfall variability on grassland dynamics, and the introduction of the “SArdinian GRAsslands” (SAGRA) dataset—a comprehensive collection of grassland vegetation surveys. The chapter also examines the role of protection levels on coastal habitat quality and the application of robotic monitoring technology for coastal dunes, offering innovative approaches to conservation.