Studies and research

Forests in the EU Carbon Removal Certification Regulation: more problems than solutions?

  • 2023

The carbon offsetting market needs clear and strict rules based on a new relationship between institutions and operators in the sector. With this objective in mind, the European Commission, on 30 November, adopted a proposal for a regulation to set up a voluntary carbon offset certification scheme based on uniform European standards and high-quality criteria.

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The carbon offsetting market needs clear and strict rules based on a new relationship between institutions and operators in the sector. With this objective in mind, the European Commission, on 30 November, adopted a proposal for a regulation to set up a voluntary carbon offset certification scheme based on uniform European standards and high-quality criteria.

Although the specific standards for the certification scheme have yet to be defined, it is nonetheless important to understand the context, principles, characteristics and critical issues of the Carbon Removal Certification Regulation, especially at this time of strong debate on whether or not it is possible to generate credits from forest products with a long life cycle. A choice that will inevitably strongly impact how European forests are managed. Read more

Forza della natura Quaderno 44 Fondazione CRC

  • 2023

This publication develops and describes the climate change debate with up-to-date references and evidence from the international and national scientific community. Find out more!

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The “Quaderno 44 || Forza della natura. Le sfide del cambiamento climatico e le nature-based solutions territoriali” ( Force of Nature. The Challenges of Climate Change and Territorial Nature-Based Solutions) develops and describes the debate on climate change with updated references and evidence proposed by the international and national scientific community. The provincial territory of Cuneo (in Italy) is thus analyzed through the lens of current challenges and future risks based on scenarios of temperature increase induced by greenhouse gas emissions, with a focus on the agricultural and urban contexts and the vulnerability to extreme events in anthropized areas. The study ultimately provides the indications gathered from the consultation with local stakeholders who have highlighted the priority areas for intervention and the possible solutions to be adopted at the provincial level, with a strong emphasis on nature-based solutions, i.e., mitigation and adaptation actions that utilize nature to counteract climate change.

The “Quaderni”  series collects the main results of research work coordinated by the Studies and Research Office of CRC Foundation (Fondazione CRC). The series is carried out in collaboration with public and private research institutions. The Foundation is a nonprofit, private, and autonomous organization that pursues purposes of social utility and promotes economic development.

TITLE
Forza della natura. Le sfide del cambiamento climatico e le nature-based solutions territoriali. Quaderno 44 – giugno 2023 (Force of Nature. The Challenges of Climate Change and Territorial Nature-Based Solutions. Notebook 44 – June 2023)

DETAILS

Promoted by: the Studies and Research Office of the CRC Foundation (Elena Bottasso and Francesco Carbonero).
Edited by : Etifor (research group: Giulia Amato, Alessandro Bellio, Riccardo Da Re, Silvia Franceschini, Giacomo Laghetto)
In collaboration with: the University of Padua

ISBN 978-88-98005-34-5

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Nature-Based Solutions Modeling and Cost-Benefit Analysis to Face Climate Change Risks in an Urban Area: The Case of Turin (Italy)

  • 2023

With the aim to promote the adoption of  Nature-based Solutions in urban areas, this study tests the the potential of NBS in mitigating climate change risks in Turin (north-western Italy).

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According to the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA), for the first time in history, more than 55% of the world’s population lives in urban areas with a forecasted increase up to 68–84% in Europe—by 2050. Urbanisation and increasing urban population lead to several environmental, social and economic challenges, which might negatively impact the well-being of citizens and the environment as a whole.

Among current and future challenges faced by cities, climate change-related ones play a major role. These include flood hazards, the urban heat island (UHI) effect, which – as consequence – leads to increased energy consumption. Therefore, adequate planning and management measures, effective in the short and long term, are needed for climate change adaptation and mitigation of the associated risks.

Against this background, Nature-based Solutions (NBSs) can provide an extremely effective tool. Inspired by nature itself, NBSs are increasingly recognized as possible solutions to mitigate climate change-related risks due to their potential to provide multiple ecosystem services and promote more resilient, liveable, and sustainable cities. However, while there is a growing body of literature about NBSs, their implementation on the ground still faces many technical and financial barriers.

This paper aims to test the potential of selected NBS in mitigating the effects related to climate change risks, i.e., the UHI effect and urban floods, in the Turin urban area (north-western Italy). Four different intervention NBS-based scenarios are developed. The supply of ecosystem services by NBS in each scenario is assessed using InVEST models and the effectiveness of NBS investments is analysed by calculating and comparing the associated costs and benefits. Different results in terms of effectiveness and economic viability are observed for each scenario and each NBS. According to the results, flood risk mitigation using NBS seem to have the most impact, in particular forested green areas and retention ponds. The results are relevant to suggest policy mix strategies to embed NBS in city planning.

PUBLICATION TITLE

Nature-Based Solutions Modeling and Cost-Benefit Analysis to Face Climate Change Risks in an Urban Area: The Case of Turin (Italy)

AUTHORS
Anna Biasin (University of Padova, Etifor), Mauro Masiero (University of Padova, Etifor), Giulia Amato (Etifor), Davide Pettenella (University of Padova)

PUBLICATION 

Land 2023, 12(2), 280; https://doi.org/10.3390/land12020280

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Terapia Forestale 2 A new volume on Forest Therapy in Italy

  • 2022

The new volume on Forest Therapy, published by the Centro Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), offers a comprehensive and up-to-date overview that aims to become a national reference point for a rapidly expanding discipline. The publication is the result of a research campaign conducted by the CNR, which involved around 1,000 people at more than 30 sites in the Apennines, Alps and urban parks.

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Urbanisation, climate crisis, pollution, worsening mental health, these are some of the major megatrends that are taking place globally. Faced with these challenges, a growing number of studies are pointing to a solution that is as simple as it is effective: nature. In addition to supporting climate crisis adaptation and mitigation strategies, recent research is demonstrating the benefits nature and its elements can bring in terms of health, human wellbeing, and social inclusion. For this reason, today, both abroad and in Italy, more and more Green Care initiatives are emerging, i.e. initiatives that rely on nature to promote human wellbeing. Among the most widespread and well-known there are Forest Bathing, Forest Therapy and Social Farming.

Published by the Centro Nazionale delle Ricerche – CNR (National Research Centre), the new volume on Forest Therapy, offers a comprehensive and up-to-date overview that aims to become a national reference for a rapidly expanding discipline. The publication is the result of a research campaign conducted by the CNR, which involved around 1,000 people at more than 30 sites in the Apennines, Alps and urban parks. The aim of this volume is to expose the fundamental reasons that make the forest a therapeutic environment, with great potential in the field of health, as well as an irreplaceable element for the stability of life on our planet.

Davide Pettenella and Ilaria Doimo of Etifor contributed to this book with a chapter on the economic value of forests and Forest Therapy aimed at raising awareness on the importance of these areas. In particular, the analysis of the economic aspects is divided into three parts: the first frames health and wellbeing services within the broader theme of the economics of ecosystem services; the second part describes the direct and indirect economic effects of forest services for wellbeing and health, and examines estimates of the costs and benefits of Forest Therapy; finally, the third part deals with policies supporting the development of Forest Therapy.

BOOK TITLE
Terapia forestale 2

CURATORS
Francesco Meneguzzo, Federica Zabini (CNR)

COAUTHORS
A. Makarieva, A. Nefiodov, U. Bardi, A. Piotti, C. Avanzi, M. Antonelli, D. Donelli, V. Maggini, L. Neri, R. Baraldi, E. Carlo, C. Scintu, F. Attorre, F. Mancini, F. Finelli, F. Becheri, F. Giganti, F. Giovannelli, M. P. Viggiano, D. Pettenella, I. Doimo, F. Re, F. Zabini, F. Meneguzzo, L. Albanese, G. Betti, F. Centritto, G. Margheritini, E. Venturelli, A. Roncoroni, V. Pellegrinelli, V. Penati, P. Garberi, A. M. Debolini, P. Costigliola, I. Butti, A. M. Zamponi, M. Borgi, B. Collacchi, F. Cirulli, L. Massetti, F. Benesperi, R. Romano, R. Rivieccio, L. Crecco, A. Pepe, E. Gallo, F. Firenzuoli

PUBLICATION
CNR Edizioni

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The Upcoming EU Proposal on “Deforestation-free Products”: from Theory to Practice through the Lessons Learned from the EUTR Implementation

  • 2022

This article compares the new proposal for the “Zero Deforestation” Regulation with the current EU Regulation on Timber (EUTR), with the aim to shed some light on the new rules and the implications for the actors involved.

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Over the last few months, the European Commission has been discussing the adoption of a new Regulation to curb deforestation and forest degradation driven by the expansion of agricultural land. Already named “Zero Deforestation”, this proposal aims at aligning the policies on import with EU sustainability goals. When adopted, the new Regulation will substitute the existing EU Timber Regulation (EUTR), expanding its scope and introducing stricter requirements for importers.

This article analyses the main features of the new Regulation. Through a comparative analysis between the new proposal and the EUTR, this article wants to shed some light on the changes and implication of the “Zero Deforestation” Regulation. While the main focus of the EUTR was only on timber legality, the new Regulation introduces specific criteria for five additional agro-commodities, specifically cattle, palm oil, soy, cocoa, coffee, and some derived products such as leather and chocolate. The new Regulation also foresees more detailed requirements for the obligations and due diligence procedures. Specifically, the document introduces innovative elements such as the central information system for recording operator due diligence declarations and country benchmarking. This due diligence statement will also provide essential information for monitoring, namely the geographical coordinates of the farm or plantation where the commodities were grown.

At the same time, the article identifies some critical aspects of the “Zero Deforestation” Regulation. For instance, the new proposal risks to put more economic and bureaucratic burden on both operator and competent authorities, which are already underfunded and understaffed. In connection to this, as the new Regulation involves more actors and from different sectors, greater efforts are needed to ensure a uniform implementation across all EU member states.

Faced with these impending changes, Etifor has developed a new approach to support companies and organisations in making their supply chains deforestation-free. With careful analysis and assessment, our team can identify the best strategy to adapt to the new legislation, assessing risks and adopting innovative tools to comply with the regulation. Learn more about EMMA!

TITLE OF THE ARTICLE
The Upcoming EU Proposal on “Deforestation-free Products”: from Theory to Practice through the Lessons Learned from the EUTR Implementation

AUTHORS
Elena Massarenti (Etifor), Nicola Andrighetto (Etifor), Mauro Masiero (University of Padova)

PUBLICATION
Paper presented at 11th conference of the Italian association of agricultural and applied economics (AIEAA), held on 16th – 17th June 2022 at the University of Tuscia (Viterbo, Italy), organized session: Cap, Farm to Fork and Green Deal: Policy Coherence, Governance, and Future Challenges.

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Urban Forests and Green Areas as Nature-Based Solutions for Brownfield Redevelopment: A Case Study from Brescia Municipal Area (Italy)

  • 2022

This study analyses two alternative NBS intervention scenarios for the regeneration of a brownfield site in Brescia (Italy). The aim of this research is to contribute to expanding the existing literature on the effective assessment of NBS and to provide an example of how research and practice can be integrated to inform urban management activities.

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In recent years, cities are going through major changes and facing major challenges in terms of sustainability. In order to promote the green transition, today many urban centres needs to plan the regeneration of brownfield areas. In this context, Nature-Based Solutions (NBSs) are often considered an effective tool to promote the green transition and the sustainable development of cities, especially thanks to the numerous ecosystem services they can provide. However, even though the effectiveness of NBSs is now recognised, there are still many barriers to their implementation. According to existing literature, one of these barriers is the effective assessment of the benefits provided by NBSs.

In order to fill this gap, this study analyses two alternative NBS-based intervention scenarios for the redevelopment of an urban brownfield area within the municipality of Brescia (Italy). Specifically, these interventions involve an urban forest and meadows with sparse trees. The study assesses nine ecosystem services, both in biophysical and economic terms, through a combination of modeling (InVEST, i-Tree and ESTIMAP) and traditional estimation methods. According to the study’s results, both scenarios improve the stock and flow of ecosystem services compared to the baseline, providing annual flows ranging between €140,000 and €360,000/year. Overall, the results highlight the potential of the proposed NBS to improve urban resilience. Finally, this study provides an example of how research and practice can be integrated to inform urban management activities and provide input for future decision-making and planning processes regarding urban developments.

TITLE OF THE ARTICLE
 Urban Forests and Green Areas as Nature-Based Solutions for Brownfield Redevelopment: A Case Study from Brescia Municipal Area (Italy)

AUTHORS
V.A.

PUBLICATION
Forests, Volume 13, Issue 3 (March 2022)

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