The potential of tourism in Sardinia to facilitate environmental education on ecosystem services

Abstract

Sardinia, Italy's second largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, is a land rich in traditions, history, beauty, and pristine nature. It is famous for its sceneries and beaches, and its ecosystems provide a variety of services to humans. Its population of around 1.6 million people increases during the summer months when tourists from all over the world arrive on the island's four shores. Tourism is a major source of income in Sardinia, but when excessive, especially in some locations during the months of July and August, it causes severe harm to the environment, decreasing the quality of services offered by humans and by nature. This thesis will investigate whether tourism in Sardinia can play a role in educating visitors about ecosystem services and climate change by allowing them to experience nature firsthand with the help of locals. It will also explore who the main stakeholders in the industry are and what their role is, together with analyzing land use on the island.