Conflicts in the use of the landscape: the issue of wind farms

The issue of spatial conflicts is a recurring theme in territorial planning. It is a complex and multidimensional topic involving diverse actors and conflicting interests. In particular, the landscape is often at the center of controversy, reflecting the differing needs and expectations of residents, local authorities, and economic stakeholders. Among these, the issue of renewable energy production has become increasingly prominent. We used the Region of Sardinia as a case study, where numerous wind farm projects have been proposed in recent years and have almost always faced strong opposition from local communities and administrators. We investigated these conflicts through an analysis of local press articles from 2009 to 2024 to identify the main critical issues. Several recurring themes and sub-themes emerged. Overall, the situation in Sardinia reflects typical conflicts related to the energy transition, where national or global decarbonization goals clash with local demands for territorial protection; tensions arise between economic development and environmental and cultural preservation; legal gaps and a lack of community participation in decision-making processes are evident. At the same time, some distinctive features emerged, particularly regarding the collective nature of dissent and the political-institutional strategies adopted by regional civil society. Understanding these dynamics is a key premise, as it provides important insights for planning, implementing, and communicating projects that are truly place-based and capable of contributing to a more inclusive and shared ecological transition-addressing a conflict that remains largely unresolved.