Regeneration of Forests for Ecological Preservation and Timber Utilization
In a remarkable display of environmental and economic commitment, Italy has embarked on a nationwide reforestation campaign, with significant momentum in both urban and extra-urban areas.
Urban Reforestation
The past few years have seen the emergence of numerous urban forestation projects, with over 50 companies contributing economically to initiatives like the Arbolia project by 2024. These projects, focused on creating green urban habitats, are not just about planting trees, but also about improving public health, well-being, and social equity in cities. Initiatives such as the FUTURE4CITIES 2025 award are even elevating practical projects across Italian cities, encouraging participation from public and private entities to combat climate change and improve air and water quality.
Extra-Urban Reforestation and Regional Distribution
The focus on extra-urban reforestation is equally significant. Projects like the FOREST4EU initiative, which held activities in Calabria (Serra San Bruno) in June 2025, highlight the interest in extra-urban forest ecosystems and their regeneration. Local pilot projects, such as the Abruzzo “School for Shepherds,” indicate an integration of cultural, social, and economic regeneration through forestry and land use practices.
Economic Benefits
The economic benefits of these projects are evident. Corporate funding, as seen in the Arbolia urban forestation projects, reflects growing private sector engagement and the economic value attributed to biodiversity and urban reforestation. Events like D.R.E.Am. Italia’s collaboration on rural regeneration projects suggest that reforestation fosters economic activities linked to forest management, sustainable agriculture, and cultural heritage, contributing to local economies and social resilience.
Regional Highlights
Notable activity can be seen across regions. In 2023, no new plantations funded by regional funds were reported in seven regions: Abruzzo, Campania, Lazio, Lombardia, Toscana, Calabria, and Molise. However, the fourth edition of the Forest Atlas reveals that two southern cities, Bari and Messina, occupy the top positions alongside Torino, thanks to forestation interventions funded by the Climate Decree and PNRR funds.
Looking Ahead
The partnership between Legambiente and Conlegno has produced an additional activity with the Urban Sawmills project, set to begin in 2026. Conlegno and Legambiente are also strengthening their collaboration, with Conlegno becoming a partner of the Forum Forests, a Legambiente campaign focused on forest ecosystems. The Legambiente study provides a detailed map of reforestation projects implemented in Italian regions.
The research conducted by Legambiente shows that there is potential to focus on reforestation projects that create new added value and jobs in the forest bioeconomy in Italy. Conlegno promotes a systemic and circular vision of the wood industry in Italy, focusing on increasing the Italian wood harvesting rate to secure domestic production and reduce imports. The positive economic impact of new "green infrastructure" is evaluated considering factors like mitigating extreme climate events, regulating air and soil quality, sustainable tourism, and cultural activities.
This overview shows Italy's significant momentum in integrating urban and extra-urban reforestation for combined environmental, social, and economic gains, backed by research, corporate funding, and community engagement. The survey, conducted by Legambiente and AzzeroCo2, estimates an annual benefit of €16,126,937.49 for each year of life of the planted trees and shrubs. In 2023, Italy initiated 291 major reforestation projects across the national territory, covering a total of 3,089 hectares. These projects involved the planting of 2,403,866 trees, both in urban and extra-urban areas, some of which were public and some private.
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- incorporating sustainable living practices at home and garden, people can contribute to Italy's reforestation efforts and biodiversity conversation, gaining benefits for both the environment and lifestyle.
- The environmental-science research by Legambiente indicates potential for sustainable living through promoting the forest bioeconomy, creating new jobs, and generating economic value in Italy's reforestation projects.
- As urban reforestation projects like Arbolia receive corporate funding, the scientific field of climate-change continues to reinforce the importance of environmental conservation and the integration of sustainable living principles into daily lifestyle choices, to effectively combat global warming.
