In an era in which the fight against climate change and the search for sustainable solutions are more urgent than ever, the metropolitan city of Milan is promoting an important urban reforestation initiative. And among the municipalities involved in this ambitious project financed by the PNRR is Liscate, which in recent days has seen the planting of over 2,200 new native trees and shrubs begin, destined to transform the urban landscape and improve the quality of life of citizens.
An ambitious project to mitigate heat islands
The initiative, called “Urban forestation to mitigate heat islands”, is part of a broader context which involves 14 municipalities in the Milan metropolitan area. A collective commitment for a total area of over 32 hectares, supported by a PNRR loan of almost 1.4 million euros (precisely 1,392,882.80 euros). The objective is clear: to counteract the devastating effects of climate change, in particular the formation of heat islands, and promote a new environmental culture.
This vast program represents a large-scale environmental renaturalization and regeneration operation, aimed at re-establishing ecological balance, increasing biodiversity and offering residents fresher and more livable green areas. The metropolitan city will accompany the project with a traveling information campaign, designed to involve citizens and raise their awareness of the multiple benefits of forestation, making them an active part of this ecological transition.
Liscate on the front line for a greener future
In Liscate, the heart of the project beats with the planting of 2,223 new native trees and shrubs. These species, chosen for their ability to adapt to the local ecosystem, will be distributed in three strategic areas of the urban belt. A significant contribution to green network underground, which promises to make Liscate a model of sustainability and environmental innovation.
Archeology and environment: a solution for the future
Planning a project of this magnitude is not without its challenges. In Liscate, an initial plan for planting in three areas along the urban belt encountered an unexpected obstacle: the possible presence of archaeological finds from the Roman era in one of the areas, the one between via Achille Grandi and the canal of via Kennedy. An unexpected event that could have resulted in complex investigations, long times and significant costs.
With pragmatism and foresight, the Municipality of Liscate, after a discussion in a services conference with the Superintendence of Archaeological Heritage, opted for a solution that would safeguard both the historical heritage and the environmental project. As explained by the Environment Councilor Domenico Nicolazzo: «We decided to concentrate the new trees in the areas already ready for the intervention in order to respect the project deadlines and still guarantee the full realization of the plan. The trees were not cut down, but simply repositioned.” A choice that demonstrates how it is possible to find a balance between protecting the past and building a greener future.
Liscate’s green vision: a constant commitment
This project is not an isolated case for Liscate, but is part of a broader and consolidated vocation for greenery and sustainability. Mayor Lorenzo Fucci commented: «Once again Liscate focuses on greenery, we are very happy to have returned to the urban forestation project which will contribute to a better quality of life for the people of Liscate.» In fact, the Municipality has already been active for years with initiatives such as “A tree for every newborn”, which sees the annual donation of dozens of saplings to the families of the town, promoting a connection with nature from birth.
These interventions aim to improve the health of citizens through a healthier environment and greater biodiversity, fundamental elements for the well-being of the community.
A greener future for the metropolitan city
The Liscate initiative, part of the larger metropolitan project, is a tangible example of how local administrations, with the support of national and European funds such as the PNRR, can act concretely to address environmental challenges. The planting of new trees is not just a symbolic gesture, but a real investment in the natural capital of the area, with long-term benefits for the air we breathe, climate regulation, the conservation of biodiversity and the aesthetic quality of our cities.
Thanks to this important intervention, Liscate takes a new concrete step towards a greener, more resilient and livable future for all its citizens and for the entire metropolitan city of Milan. A strong signal that commitment to the environment is an indispensable priority.
