Ecosystem Services’ Based Impact Assessment for Low Carbon Transition Processes

Abstract

Low carbon transition represents one of the main challenges engaging territorial governments in a multi-scale structure of planning and actions. The thematic focus on renewable energies sources (RES) development prevailed on an integrated approach to plan such relevant process in a more integrated and systemic view based on multiple territorial values estimation and the assessment of potential conflicts depending on technological and landscape impacts

RES transition implies extensive  territorial transformations and, in the case of Italy, the public management spent more effort in targeting RES installation objectives more than proposing a territorial plan of suitable area where such a process might be development preserving local territorial structure and values.  

This paper presents the results of an ex-post analysis carried out to assess the effects of the rapid advent of renewable energy plants in a specific territorial context: Melfi area in Basilicata (Italy). Such a context is characterized by agricultural vocation and high natural values, but also representing the settlement place of the biggest industrial automotive center in the south of Italy.

The research approach is based on ecosystem services assessment through selected INVEST tools according with the presence of relevant specific features in the investigation area: carbon stock and storage, crop production, crop pollination and habitat quality.

Results allow to quantify an extensive territorial impacts generated by photovoltaics plants and wind-farms compared with production potential. Consequently policy recommendation are proposed in order to improve the governance model for future development of the sustainable energy sector in Basilicata.