Advancing Urban and Extra-Urban Afforestation: A Case Study of the Italian National Urban Forestry Plan in the Metropolitan City of Genoa

Adriano Magliocco () and Paola Sabbion
Additional contact information
Adriano Magliocco: Department of Architecture and Design, University of Genoa, 16123 Genoa, Italy
Paola Sabbion: Department of Architecture and Design, University of Genoa, 16123 Genoa, Italy

Land, 2025, vol. 14, issue 4, 1-20

Abstract: Urban afforestation is a key strategy for combating climate change and enhancing urban living by reducing carbon emissions and improving air quality. Reflecting these priorities, Italy’s National Ecological Transition Plan (NETP), led by the Ministry of Ecological Transition (MiTE), introduced the National Urban Forestry Plan to accelerate sustainability and resilience in urban areas. This plan focuses on reducing carbon emissions, enhancing natural capital through reforestation, and promoting Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) for climate adaptation. Our study aligns with this framework by exploring how local urban forestry initiatives support the NETP’s objectives, providing a concrete example of policy implementation. Genoa (Italy) serves as a compelling case study. In 2023, the city received PNRR funding under the “Protection and Enhancement of Urban and Extra-Urban Greenery” initiative to improve air quality, restore biodiversity, and strengthen ecological corridors. Our research identifies three key areas for improvement: ecological planning, citizen engagement, and impact monitoring. We present initial findings and quantitative data, evaluating CO 2 sequestration potential, communication strategies, and consider the strengths and weaknesses of the specific context. These findings highlight the need for further investigation to optimize and communicate urban greening efforts.

Keywords: urban afforestation; carbon sequestration; green infrastructure; nature-based solutions; climate change mitigation (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q15 Q2 Q24 Q28 Q5 R14 R52 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations:

Downloads: (external link)
https://www.mdpi.com/2073-445X/14/4/695/pdf (application/pdf)
https://www.mdpi.com/2073-445X/14/4/695/ (text/html)

Related works:
This item may be available elsewhere in EconPapers: Search for items with the same title.

Export reference: BibTeX RIS (EndNote, ProCite, RefMan) HTML/Text

Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:gam:jlands:v:14:y:2025:i:4:p:695-:d:1620045

Access Statistics for this article

Land is currently edited by Ms. Carol Ma

More articles in Land from MDPI
Bibliographic data for series maintained by MDPI Indexing Manager ().