Perception of Ecosystem Services Provided by the Primary Sector in Floodplains: A Study of Sardinia

Agriculture, livestock, and forestry are crucial in mitigating hydrogeological risks, such as floods, particularly severe in the Mediterranean region. Still, the ecosystem services (ESs) provided by these activities are often undervalued. However, to assign them an economic value and ensure their effective incorporation into decision-making processes and territorial planning, they must first be recognized, appreciated, and deemed necessary by society. Despite several studies on ESs in the primary sector, research on agroecosystem flood regulation is limited, leaving key aspects unaddressed for decision-makers. No previous studies explicitly address the evaluation of ESs provided by agriculture, livestock, and forestry businesses in hydrogeological risky environments, especially in flood-prone areas. This study investigates the perception of the ESs provided by the above activities, focusing on those furnished in areas subject to hydrogeological instability. It also focuses on Sardinia (Italy), which is highly susceptible to hydrogeological instability. Through a quantitative survey of 270 residents and non-residents, the research provides evidence of society’s perception of the above ESs. Supporting ESs obtain greater appreciation in crop activities, particularly concerning the preservation of pollinating insects, soil fertility, biodiversity, and water quality. Among the regulatory Ess, appreciation is most prominent in fire risk management and flood risk regulation. Similar arguments can be made for livestock activities. Forestry activities are perceived as key players in managing flood risk, landslide risk, soil erosion, and climate change. The Multiple Correspondence Analysis indicates that appreciating one ES often leads to the recognition of others. Additionally, a set of Logit Regressions showed that while age and gender do not influence ESs perception, education level and awareness of climate change-related emergencies play a significant role. Those findings support more informed decision-making and fostering sustainable practices in areas at risk of hydrogeological disasters and lead to several important implications for practitioners, academics, and policymakers.