Reconnecting with nature
Parco Italia
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Parco Italia project aims to extend, connect, protect, sustainably manage and enhance a network of natural areas, protected areas, ecological corridors, seminatural terrestrial ecosystems, and forests across Italy. The project is an act of care, made possible through the construction of cultural and ecological connections. It is designed to be part of a broader vision that takes into consideration ecosystem services, climate mitigation, and climate adaptation.
Italy
National
It addresses urban-rural linkages
It refers to other types of transformations (soft investment)
Yes
2024-11-30
No
No
No
As a representative of an organisation
Parco Italia is a national afforestation and reforestation program in urban, peri-urban, and rural areas, aiming to gradually establish a national ecological network by connecting protected areas, national and regional parks, and Natura 2000 sites through restoration interventions along hiking and cycling paths. Parco Italia is also promoting the ecological improvement of buffer areas near existing parks and natural reserves and managing the processes of rewilding in these natural and semi-natural spaces, in line with the EU Biodiversity Strategy 2030. This vision in Italy envisages extending forestry interventions to the 15 metropolitan areas.
In its initial phase of the project, to narrow down potential intervention areas, priority afforestation areas have been identified through a national mapping to determine where the restoration of natural ecosystems is most urgent and where Ecosystem Services could have a bigger impact on the local population. A multi-criteria analysis was used to quantify environmental challenges that forest plantations may contribute to address, both in cities and in semi-natural areas. Each criterion has been quantified and scored, providing a first indicator of the places with the most urgent needs for tree planting. The feasibility of tree plantation projects also takes into account social, economic, legislative, or stakeholder-related constraints. Finally, a bottom-up approach is used to complete the top-down assessment, by taking into account and trying to reconcile the needs and preferences of all local stakeholders, in terms of recreation, traditional uses, and cultural significance of the landscape, coexistence with agricultural or other economic activities.
The 2nd phase of the project launched a series of activities aimed at implementing pilot projects. They include afforestation and reforestation campaigns, targeted actions for habitat restoration, and strategies to support and promote the natural regeneration of forests.
In its initial phase of the project, to narrow down potential intervention areas, priority afforestation areas have been identified through a national mapping to determine where the restoration of natural ecosystems is most urgent and where Ecosystem Services could have a bigger impact on the local population. A multi-criteria analysis was used to quantify environmental challenges that forest plantations may contribute to address, both in cities and in semi-natural areas. Each criterion has been quantified and scored, providing a first indicator of the places with the most urgent needs for tree planting. The feasibility of tree plantation projects also takes into account social, economic, legislative, or stakeholder-related constraints. Finally, a bottom-up approach is used to complete the top-down assessment, by taking into account and trying to reconcile the needs and preferences of all local stakeholders, in terms of recreation, traditional uses, and cultural significance of the landscape, coexistence with agricultural or other economic activities.
The 2nd phase of the project launched a series of activities aimed at implementing pilot projects. They include afforestation and reforestation campaigns, targeted actions for habitat restoration, and strategies to support and promote the natural regeneration of forests.
Reforestation
Biodiversity
Ecological connectivity
Climate change
Nature-based solutions (NBS)
Parco Italia aims to improve Italy’s forest areas, while increasing the environmental benefits of Italy’s natural capital by working on the ecosystems that generate the most biodiversity: forests. All interventions are designed as part of a broader vision that considers ecosystem services, climate change mitigation and adaptation, and ecological connectivity across the entire national territory and beyond.
During the implementation phase, begun in April 2023, over 70,000 trees were planted in 9 regional contexts (Piedmont, Abruzzo, Tuscany, Campania, Lombardy, Puglia, Basilicata, Veneto and Lazio). The ambition of Parco Italia lies in building a long-term vision that imagines planting a tree for each citizen of the 15 Italian metropolitan cities: 22 million trees planted by 2040.
By planting over 22 million trees across 15 metropolitan areas and across Italy, the project enhances ecological connectivity, combats habitat fragmentation, and promotes biodiversity, while improving urban resilience by reducing heat island effects and air pollution. The use of native species and locally sourced seeds ensures ecological compatibility, while the integration of forests into urban, agricultural, and industrial landscapes fosters sustainable land use and soil restoration.
The ultimate goal of the Parco Italia project is not just to plant trees, but to connect and care. After the plants and trees are planted, they are subject to periodic monitoring, using a standard methodology in all sites. The survival of all trees is monitored through inspections of the planting sites every 6 months, while tree growth is measured annually on 10% of the plants by monitoring trunk diameter, total tree height and crown radius. The assessment process also includes the measurement of ecosystem service objectives, such as CO2 sequestration, PM10 removal, habitat quality, thermal cooling, maintenance, and any recreational use of the sites.
During the implementation phase, begun in April 2023, over 70,000 trees were planted in 9 regional contexts (Piedmont, Abruzzo, Tuscany, Campania, Lombardy, Puglia, Basilicata, Veneto and Lazio). The ambition of Parco Italia lies in building a long-term vision that imagines planting a tree for each citizen of the 15 Italian metropolitan cities: 22 million trees planted by 2040.
By planting over 22 million trees across 15 metropolitan areas and across Italy, the project enhances ecological connectivity, combats habitat fragmentation, and promotes biodiversity, while improving urban resilience by reducing heat island effects and air pollution. The use of native species and locally sourced seeds ensures ecological compatibility, while the integration of forests into urban, agricultural, and industrial landscapes fosters sustainable land use and soil restoration.
The ultimate goal of the Parco Italia project is not just to plant trees, but to connect and care. After the plants and trees are planted, they are subject to periodic monitoring, using a standard methodology in all sites. The survival of all trees is monitored through inspections of the planting sites every 6 months, while tree growth is measured annually on 10% of the plants by monitoring trunk diameter, total tree height and crown radius. The assessment process also includes the measurement of ecosystem service objectives, such as CO2 sequestration, PM10 removal, habitat quality, thermal cooling, maintenance, and any recreational use of the sites.
Parco Italia is an act of care made possible through the construction of cultural and ecological connections. These widespread trails could become outposts throughout the territory, enabling the monitoring and sustainable management of forests and increasing their capacity to mitigate the risks of natural disasters and climate change, thus giving space to a circular economy based on the ecosystem services of the territory. With the establishment of hiking trails and potential new trails, in parallel with the expansion of buffer zones around national parks and the inclusion of natural and semi-natural areas among protected areas, villages would have the potential to become central nodes of areas with high development prospects. The role of villages for Parco Italia is twofold: on the one hand, they contribute to the management, maintenance of the territories and the conservation of their biodiversity; on the other, they become poles of attraction for sustainable and conscious tourism.
Parco Italia recognizes the villages of our hinterland as “capitals of biodiversity”, crucial nodes of a new development model based on awareness of critical issues, respect for the territory and care for the environmental heritage
Through the active involvement of Metropolitan Cities, as well as small and medium-sized cities, will it be possible to create large new alliances, new supply chains, greener cities, and act collectively against the impacts of climate change. The inclusion of “Biodiversity Walks”, part of Parco Italia’s cultural programme, highlights the ecological and cultural richness of Italy’s natural heritage, engaging experts in meaningful conversations about Italian natural capital and its conservation. These initiatives not only enhance the quality of urban and peri-urban areas but also create multifunctional spaces that blend recreation, education, and environmental stewardship.
Parco Italia recognizes the villages of our hinterland as “capitals of biodiversity”, crucial nodes of a new development model based on awareness of critical issues, respect for the territory and care for the environmental heritage
Through the active involvement of Metropolitan Cities, as well as small and medium-sized cities, will it be possible to create large new alliances, new supply chains, greener cities, and act collectively against the impacts of climate change. The inclusion of “Biodiversity Walks”, part of Parco Italia’s cultural programme, highlights the ecological and cultural richness of Italy’s natural heritage, engaging experts in meaningful conversations about Italian natural capital and its conservation. These initiatives not only enhance the quality of urban and peri-urban areas but also create multifunctional spaces that blend recreation, education, and environmental stewardship.
Parco Italia aims to include citizens at multiple levels, ensuring that ecological restoration and urban forestry benefit all members of society. By strategically integrating ecological corridors within Italy’s metropolitan areas, the goal of Parco Italia is to reconnect fragmented areas , making nature accessible to diverse communities, including those in underserved neighborhoods. This approach will ensure that the benefits of urban greenery—improved air quality, climate resilience, and enhanced well-being—will be distributed inclusively across populations rather than being concentrated in specific areas.
Beyond physical accessibility, Parco Italia proposes to introduce inclusive governance models that engage a broad spectrum of stakeholders, ensuring that decision-making processes reflect diverse perspectives. By establishing partnerships between public institutions, private organizations, and local communities, the project creates a framework for shared stewardship of green infrastructure. Citizens, urban planners, environmentalists, and policymakers will be called to collaborate in the planning and management of afforestation initiatives, strengthening civic participation and fostering a sense of agency in shaping urban environments. Only through a participatory governance model long-term sustainability will be granted, as communities take an active role in preserving and maintaining their green spaces.
Educational and cultural initiatives may further enhance Parco Italia’s inclusivity by engaging communities in the ecological transformation of their cities. Public programs such as biodiversity walks, workshops, and citizen-led planting campaigns cultivate environmental awareness and empower individuals to contribute to the project’s success. By integrating nature-based solutions into everyday urban life, Parco Italia will encourage new societal models where ecological consciousness becomes a shared cultural value, inspiring future generations to advocate.
Beyond physical accessibility, Parco Italia proposes to introduce inclusive governance models that engage a broad spectrum of stakeholders, ensuring that decision-making processes reflect diverse perspectives. By establishing partnerships between public institutions, private organizations, and local communities, the project creates a framework for shared stewardship of green infrastructure. Citizens, urban planners, environmentalists, and policymakers will be called to collaborate in the planning and management of afforestation initiatives, strengthening civic participation and fostering a sense of agency in shaping urban environments. Only through a participatory governance model long-term sustainability will be granted, as communities take an active role in preserving and maintaining their green spaces.
Educational and cultural initiatives may further enhance Parco Italia’s inclusivity by engaging communities in the ecological transformation of their cities. Public programs such as biodiversity walks, workshops, and citizen-led planting campaigns cultivate environmental awareness and empower individuals to contribute to the project’s success. By integrating nature-based solutions into everyday urban life, Parco Italia will encourage new societal models where ecological consciousness becomes a shared cultural value, inspiring future generations to advocate.
Increasing forest area through natural or assisted regeneration and restoring disturbed and degraded forests, and deforested lands in the long term can increase the supply of environment-regulating, productive and cultural ecosystem services provided to local and global communities, as long as the new forests are compatible with soil, climate, and biodiversity and do not harm local communities, their rights, and their current land use.
The declination of the Parco Italia project is to extend urban forests to the 15 Italy’s urban areas, allowing them to be connected via green corridors with the Apennine ridge and the Alpine system. A large unified system would be created that would lead to the planting of more than 2,200,000 new trees in a few years, about 1 tree for each inhabitant of the 15 cities-a number that, if expanded to metropolises with a population greater than 15,000, could reach 60 million.
With these figures, an improvement in public health could be achieved by absorbing more than 250 tons of carbon dioxide annually, as well as fostering national and transnational ecological connections, countering climate change and promoting ecological transition.
The project is deeply rooted in community involvement, recognizing that sustainable transformation is most effective when shaped by those it serves. Citizens will be asked to play a key role in defining afforestation sites, participating in tree-planting activities, and engaging in environmental education programs. This collaborative approach fosters a sense of ownership, ensuring long-term commitment to ecological preservation.
The project’s beneficiaries are those who will receive or use, directly or indirectly, the ecosystem services generated by the afforestation interventions on the Italian territory. Everyone can benefit from Parco Italia, and contribute to making Parco Italia a feasible project, starting with the places that need the most care.
The declination of the Parco Italia project is to extend urban forests to the 15 Italy’s urban areas, allowing them to be connected via green corridors with the Apennine ridge and the Alpine system. A large unified system would be created that would lead to the planting of more than 2,200,000 new trees in a few years, about 1 tree for each inhabitant of the 15 cities-a number that, if expanded to metropolises with a population greater than 15,000, could reach 60 million.
With these figures, an improvement in public health could be achieved by absorbing more than 250 tons of carbon dioxide annually, as well as fostering national and transnational ecological connections, countering climate change and promoting ecological transition.
The project is deeply rooted in community involvement, recognizing that sustainable transformation is most effective when shaped by those it serves. Citizens will be asked to play a key role in defining afforestation sites, participating in tree-planting activities, and engaging in environmental education programs. This collaborative approach fosters a sense of ownership, ensuring long-term commitment to ecological preservation.
The project’s beneficiaries are those who will receive or use, directly or indirectly, the ecosystem services generated by the afforestation interventions on the Italian territory. Everyone can benefit from Parco Italia, and contribute to making Parco Italia a feasible project, starting with the places that need the most care.
Parco Italia takes its inspiration from Richard Weller’s World Park project, a continuous landscape of restored habitat and ecological corridors, running globally to connect 19 biodiversity hotspots, 55 nations and secures 163000 km2 of habitat for all species to share.
Specifically, Parco Italia is a project born from the collaboration between Stefano Boeri Architetti and AlberItalia Foundation and initiated, for research and implementation activities.
The private sector also plays a fundamental role in Parco Italia’s realization. Amazon, through its Right Now Climate Fund, has allocated €20 million to support nature-based projects in European communities, including Parco Italia. This funding has enabled both research and implementation activities, accelerating the project’s impact. The involvement of Stefano Boeri Architetti’s Research Department ensures a strong scientific foundation, integrating urban forestry strategies, climate resilience measures, and sustainability principles into the project's framework.
The added value of this multi-level engagement lies in the synergy between public institutions, private enterprises, and local communities. By fostering collaboration across governance levels and sectors, Parco Italia strengthens its ecological and social impact, ensuring long-term resilience against climate change and urbanization challenges. This inclusive and multidisciplinary approach not only enhances the effectiveness of afforestation efforts but also establishes a replicable model for integrated, large-scale urban greening strategies in Italy and beyond.
Specifically, Parco Italia is a project born from the collaboration between Stefano Boeri Architetti and AlberItalia Foundation and initiated, for research and implementation activities.
The private sector also plays a fundamental role in Parco Italia’s realization. Amazon, through its Right Now Climate Fund, has allocated €20 million to support nature-based projects in European communities, including Parco Italia. This funding has enabled both research and implementation activities, accelerating the project’s impact. The involvement of Stefano Boeri Architetti’s Research Department ensures a strong scientific foundation, integrating urban forestry strategies, climate resilience measures, and sustainability principles into the project's framework.
The added value of this multi-level engagement lies in the synergy between public institutions, private enterprises, and local communities. By fostering collaboration across governance levels and sectors, Parco Italia strengthens its ecological and social impact, ensuring long-term resilience against climate change and urbanization challenges. This inclusive and multidisciplinary approach not only enhances the effectiveness of afforestation efforts but also establishes a replicable model for integrated, large-scale urban greening strategies in Italy and beyond.
Parco Italia team undertook a series of research activities that led to a comprehensive understanding of Italy’s current natural capital and the identification of future potential areas for afforestation. The project team developed thematic maps describing metropolitan areas, municipalities, inner areas, ecoregions, forests, ecological fragmentation, hiking and cycling routes, mobility networks, the risks of forest fire, tree cover loss, landslides and floods, along with national afforestation projects developed and implemented during the past decade. All the information layers were also quantified at regional and metropolitan levels to identify environmentally critical areas with high priority given to afforestation.
In addition, environmental indicators were established to support the monitoring of forests in natural, urban, and extra-urban areas. This set of indicators will allow for the continuous detection and measurement of forest status and ensure that Parco Italia activities and plantations meet the required goals.
The team developed the roadmap for Parco Italia’s next steps, focusing on the long-term implementation of its vision. This framework covers communication strategies, integrated governance and partnership models, the fostering of national and regional regulations, and the development of innovative funding models and tools.
The second phase of Parco Italia kickstarted a number of pilot projects to demonstrate the development of nature-based solutions and afforestation projects within natural and semi-natural areas, metropolitan areas, cities, towns, and small urban settlements. The implementation phase, which includes afforestation, reforestation, and restoration campaigns, will define and harmonize planning, design, and management tools for forests, as well as actions aimed at reducing fragmentation and improving the spatial continuity of natural habitats.
In addition, environmental indicators were established to support the monitoring of forests in natural, urban, and extra-urban areas. This set of indicators will allow for the continuous detection and measurement of forest status and ensure that Parco Italia activities and plantations meet the required goals.
The team developed the roadmap for Parco Italia’s next steps, focusing on the long-term implementation of its vision. This framework covers communication strategies, integrated governance and partnership models, the fostering of national and regional regulations, and the development of innovative funding models and tools.
The second phase of Parco Italia kickstarted a number of pilot projects to demonstrate the development of nature-based solutions and afforestation projects within natural and semi-natural areas, metropolitan areas, cities, towns, and small urban settlements. The implementation phase, which includes afforestation, reforestation, and restoration campaigns, will define and harmonize planning, design, and management tools for forests, as well as actions aimed at reducing fragmentation and improving the spatial continuity of natural habitats.
Parco Italia distinguishes itself from conventional afforestation projects by adopting a systemic perspective, treating forests as pivotal components of Italian natural capital. Unlike fragmented greening efforts, it establishes a continuous ecological network, reconnecting cities with their natural surroundings.
To identify suitable areas for the Pilot projects and overcome challenges related to land availability, especially public-owned properties, the team adopted a multicriteria approach. However, the first fundamental step is to create a network of experts and individuals at the local level, including mayors, public administrators, forestry experts, and citizens. Through this network Parco Italia can identify the best practices for the design, implementation, and management of the planting sites, including maintenance issues.
Through a large-scale territorial analysis, the team identifies priority areas with high ecological, cultural, and recreational value as starting points for regeneration, restoration, and reduction of ecological fragmentation interventions. These priority areas are integrated with other identified high-priority areas based on their contribution to the project's main objective. Subsequently, Parco Italia overlays these areas with the available land database and constantly updates it, in order to identify potential tree planting intervention areas.
The design, implementation, and monitoring of the tree planting sites are entrusted to local forestry experts, selected through specific assignments. The choice of tree species and planting design is evaluated on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the characteristics of the land, the location of the areas, and the objectives of the future forest, always prioritizing the criterion of species diversity, connectivity and the coexistence of native tree and shrub species.
To identify suitable areas for the Pilot projects and overcome challenges related to land availability, especially public-owned properties, the team adopted a multicriteria approach. However, the first fundamental step is to create a network of experts and individuals at the local level, including mayors, public administrators, forestry experts, and citizens. Through this network Parco Italia can identify the best practices for the design, implementation, and management of the planting sites, including maintenance issues.
Through a large-scale territorial analysis, the team identifies priority areas with high ecological, cultural, and recreational value as starting points for regeneration, restoration, and reduction of ecological fragmentation interventions. These priority areas are integrated with other identified high-priority areas based on their contribution to the project's main objective. Subsequently, Parco Italia overlays these areas with the available land database and constantly updates it, in order to identify potential tree planting intervention areas.
The design, implementation, and monitoring of the tree planting sites are entrusted to local forestry experts, selected through specific assignments. The choice of tree species and planting design is evaluated on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the characteristics of the land, the location of the areas, and the objectives of the future forest, always prioritizing the criterion of species diversity, connectivity and the coexistence of native tree and shrub species.
The methodology of Parco Italia is rooted in an interdisciplinary, multi-scalar, and participatory approach that integrates scientific research, planning, ecological restoration, and community engagement. The project follows a structured, two-phase process.
The first phase involves extensive research to assess Italy’s existing green infrastructure, ecological fragmentation, and afforestation potential. Using geospatial analysis, thematic maps, and environmental monitoring indicators, the project identifies priority areas for intervention based on ecological value, biodiversity hotspots, and urban connectivity needs.
An essential component of the methodology is the development of guidelines for afforestation, ecological corridors, and green infrastructure design. These guidelines establish best practices for species selection, soil restoration, and long-term forest management, ensuring that newly created green spaces are resilient, diverse, and ecologically functional. Additionally, the project incorporates slow mobility networks into green corridors, promoting sustainable mobility while reinforcing ecological connectivity.
The implementation phase is characterized by a participatory process that actively involves local communities, municipalities, foresters, and nurseries. A network of stakeholders, ranging from policymakers to private landowners, is engaged to facilitate the identification of suitable sites, secure land availability, and ensure long-term stewardship of the planted areas.
After the trees have been planted in the pilot projects, they will be monitored, using a standardized methodology across all sites. The evaluation process will also include measuring objectives related to ecosystem services, such as CO2 sequestration, PM10 pollution removal, habitat quality, thermal cooling, working man-hours for maintenance, and potential recreational use of the sites.
The first phase involves extensive research to assess Italy’s existing green infrastructure, ecological fragmentation, and afforestation potential. Using geospatial analysis, thematic maps, and environmental monitoring indicators, the project identifies priority areas for intervention based on ecological value, biodiversity hotspots, and urban connectivity needs.
An essential component of the methodology is the development of guidelines for afforestation, ecological corridors, and green infrastructure design. These guidelines establish best practices for species selection, soil restoration, and long-term forest management, ensuring that newly created green spaces are resilient, diverse, and ecologically functional. Additionally, the project incorporates slow mobility networks into green corridors, promoting sustainable mobility while reinforcing ecological connectivity.
The implementation phase is characterized by a participatory process that actively involves local communities, municipalities, foresters, and nurseries. A network of stakeholders, ranging from policymakers to private landowners, is engaged to facilitate the identification of suitable sites, secure land availability, and ensure long-term stewardship of the planted areas.
After the trees have been planted in the pilot projects, they will be monitored, using a standardized methodology across all sites. The evaluation process will also include measuring objectives related to ecosystem services, such as CO2 sequestration, PM10 pollution removal, habitat quality, thermal cooling, working man-hours for maintenance, and potential recreational use of the sites.
Parco Italia presents a replicable and adaptable model that can be transferred to various geographical, ecological, and social contexts. Its approach—integrating afforestation with urban planning and ecological connectivity—can be applied to cities and regions worldwide that seek to enhance biodiversity, combat climate change, and improve natural systems’ resilience at a national scale. The project’s emphasis on green corridors linking urban areas with rural and protected landscapes provides a flexible framework for fostering ecological continuity, reducing habitat fragmentation, and promoting sustainable land use strategies.
The use of geospatial mapping to identify priority areas for reforestation ensures that interventions are targeted where they can provide the greatest environmental and social benefits. This methodology can be adapted to different ecosystems by adjusting criteria such as species selection, soil conditions, and climate resilience strategies. Additionally, the monitoring and evaluation framework can be implemented in diverse contexts to track the long-term impact of afforestation projects.
By fostering multi-stakeholder partnerships, the project creates a cooperative structure that can be replicated in other regions to ensure long-term commitment and funding for afforestation initiatives. This model is particularly relevant for cities and territories aiming to develop nature-based solutions within the framework of the EU Green Deal and global climate adaptation strategies.
Parco Italia can be scaled up to EU-Park, a transnational vision for a Greener, Connected, and Resilient Europe from north to south and east to west. Eu – Park is aimed at transforming Europe into a model of biodiversity conservation through ecological connectivity and the expansion of natural areas; a model of ecological -socio-economic regeneration and a model for rural communities empowerment through the use of an alternative timber and forest-based bioeconomy.
The use of geospatial mapping to identify priority areas for reforestation ensures that interventions are targeted where they can provide the greatest environmental and social benefits. This methodology can be adapted to different ecosystems by adjusting criteria such as species selection, soil conditions, and climate resilience strategies. Additionally, the monitoring and evaluation framework can be implemented in diverse contexts to track the long-term impact of afforestation projects.
By fostering multi-stakeholder partnerships, the project creates a cooperative structure that can be replicated in other regions to ensure long-term commitment and funding for afforestation initiatives. This model is particularly relevant for cities and territories aiming to develop nature-based solutions within the framework of the EU Green Deal and global climate adaptation strategies.
Parco Italia can be scaled up to EU-Park, a transnational vision for a Greener, Connected, and Resilient Europe from north to south and east to west. Eu – Park is aimed at transforming Europe into a model of biodiversity conservation through ecological connectivity and the expansion of natural areas; a model of ecological -socio-economic regeneration and a model for rural communities empowerment through the use of an alternative timber and forest-based bioeconomy.
As we are facing worldwide rising temperatures, increasing carbon emissions, and deteriorating air quality, Parco Italia project seeks to answer how large-scale urban forestation and ecological connectivity can mitigate these effects while improving public health and quality of life. By integrating afforestation strategies with urban planning, the project supports global efforts to combat the climate crisis through carbon sequestration, urban cooling, and air purification.
One of the major global concerns today is the loss of biodiversity due to deforestation and habitat fragmentation. The project addresses this by restoring and expanding green corridors, linking Italy’s urban centers with protected natural areas, ensuring ecological continuity, and promoting species migration. This strategy enhances ecosystem resilience by improving the genetic flow of plant and animal species, reducing the risks of extinction, and increasing natural habitats.
The project works to counteract this by rehabilitating degraded landscapes, introducing tree-planting initiatives in urban, periurban and extra-urban areas, and implementing sustainable land management practices that align with global goals such as the UN’s Land Degradation Neutrality targets.
By combining science-based strategies with local governance, public engagement, and cross-sector collaboration, Parco Italia serves as a replicable model for cities and regions worldwide. Its approach not only provides immediate environmental benefits but also fosters a long-term vision for sustainability, positioning it as a scalable and adaptable solution to global ecological challenges.
One of the major global concerns today is the loss of biodiversity due to deforestation and habitat fragmentation. The project addresses this by restoring and expanding green corridors, linking Italy’s urban centers with protected natural areas, ensuring ecological continuity, and promoting species migration. This strategy enhances ecosystem resilience by improving the genetic flow of plant and animal species, reducing the risks of extinction, and increasing natural habitats.
The project works to counteract this by rehabilitating degraded landscapes, introducing tree-planting initiatives in urban, periurban and extra-urban areas, and implementing sustainable land management practices that align with global goals such as the UN’s Land Degradation Neutrality targets.
By combining science-based strategies with local governance, public engagement, and cross-sector collaboration, Parco Italia serves as a replicable model for cities and regions worldwide. Its approach not only provides immediate environmental benefits but also fosters a long-term vision for sustainability, positioning it as a scalable and adaptable solution to global ecological challenges.
Starting from April 2023, Parco Italia has planted over 15,000 trees and shrubs, with the objective of increasing the total number by an additional 25,000 plants by the end of 2023, and ultimately reaching a total of 70,000 trees planted by the end of 2024.
Beyond the environmental impact, the project fosters social inclusion by engaging local communities, and private stakeholders in participatory processes. Through public events, biodiversity walks, and planting programs, the project is aimed at raising public awareness about the importance of managing and protecting the existing natural heritage in a sustainable and caring way, minimizing risks such as landscape fragmentation and hydrogeological risks, while increasing ecological and cultural connectivity.
Indirectly, the project contributes to global climate mitigation by serving as a scalable model for reforestation and ecological connectivity. Its emphasis on knowledge-sharing, research-based methodologies, and governance frameworks makes it transferable to other countries facing similar environmental challenges.
Parco Italia is part of Stefano Boeri Architetti’s vision Green Obsession (published in “Green Obsession: Trees Towards Cities, Humans Towards Forests”, Actar, 2021), which was awarded the UN SDGs Action Award in the “Inspire” category in 2023 by the United Nations.
Beyond the environmental impact, the project fosters social inclusion by engaging local communities, and private stakeholders in participatory processes. Through public events, biodiversity walks, and planting programs, the project is aimed at raising public awareness about the importance of managing and protecting the existing natural heritage in a sustainable and caring way, minimizing risks such as landscape fragmentation and hydrogeological risks, while increasing ecological and cultural connectivity.
Indirectly, the project contributes to global climate mitigation by serving as a scalable model for reforestation and ecological connectivity. Its emphasis on knowledge-sharing, research-based methodologies, and governance frameworks makes it transferable to other countries facing similar environmental challenges.
Parco Italia is part of Stefano Boeri Architetti’s vision Green Obsession (published in “Green Obsession: Trees Towards Cities, Humans Towards Forests”, Actar, 2021), which was awarded the UN SDGs Action Award in the “Inspire” category in 2023 by the United Nations.
