Studies and research

Testing nature-based biopsychosocial resilience theory: a research programme protocol

  • 2026

The journal Archives of Public Health has published the research article Testing nature-based biopsychosocial resilience theory: a research programme protocol, authored by Mathew P. White and a large group of co-authors, including Giulia Amato and Ilaria Doimo from Etifor. The paper describes the scientific programme of the European project RESONATE (Building individual and community RESilience thrOugh NATurE-based therapies), funded by Horizon Europe and carried out by 14 partners across nine European countries over four years (2023–2027).

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The journal Archives of Public Health has published the research article Testing nature-based biopsychosocial resilience theory: a research programme protocol, authored by Mathew P. White and a large group of co-authors, including Giulia Amato and Ilaria Doimo from Etifor. The paper describes the scientific programme of the European project RESONATE (Building individual and community RESilience thrOugh NATurE-based therapies), funded by Horizon Europe and carried out by 14 partners across nine European countries over four years (2023–2027).

The project is grounded in Nature-based Biopsychosocial Resilience Theory (NBRT), a theoretical framework that understands contact with nature as a means of strengthening the capacity to cope with stress at the biological, psychological, and social levels. To test this theory, RESONATE has launched nine trials across Europe, targeting three population groups: healthy individuals, people at risk of metabolic syndrome, and those already living with conditions such as chronic stress, mobility challenges, or cognitive impairment. The methodological approaches range from longitudinal cohorts and randomised controlled trials to co-design processes involving local stakeholders. One of the trials takes place in the urban woodlands of Padua, with the direct involvement of the Etifor team.

Beyond the effects on individual participants, the project examines the broader implications of nature-based therapies in terms of health equity, environmental sustainability, economic viability, and social acceptability, with the aim of producing practical guidance for health professionals, policymakers, and local communities.

STUDY DETAILS

Titolo:Testing nature-based biopsychosocial resilience theory: a research programme protocol

Autori: Mathew P. White, Julia A. M. Egger, Giulia Amato, Ilaria Doimo et al.

Anno di pubblicazione: 2026 Scarica il paper

Participatory mapping of the forest community stakeholders in Europe focusing on forest genetic resources, forest reproductive material, and protected forests

  • 2025

The journal Trees, Forests and People has published the study “Participatory mapping of the forest community stakeholders in Europe focusing on forest genetic resources, forest reproductive material, and protected forests”, coordinated by T. Rogelja and Mauro Masiero (University of Padua), alongside an extensive international team of experts.

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The journal Trees, Forests and People has published the study “Participatory mapping of the forest community stakeholders in Europe focusing on forest genetic resources, forest reproductive material, and protected forests”, coordinated by T. Rogelja and Mauro Masiero (University of Padua), alongside an extensive international team of experts.

The paper was developed within the Horizon Europe OptFORESTS project, which includes Etifor as an active research partner. The study addresses a crucial challenge for the future of the sector: mapping the complex network of actors influencing the governance of forest genetic resources in Europe—a key element for the resilience of our forests in the face of climate change.

Using an approach based on the Quadruple Helix model and a systematic review involving consortium experts, the research identifies 45 stakeholder categories, divided into three main “sub-communities”:

  • Forest Genetic Resources (FGR): Acts as a bridge between conservation and production, focusing on genetic variability to ensure long-term adaptability.

  • Forest Reproductive Material (FRM): Focused on applied aspects such as breeding, nursery production, and reforestation.

  • Protected Forests (PF): Oriented toward the protection of biodiversity and spontaneous natural processes, with a preference for minimal human intervention.

Results and governance

The research demonstrates that the modernization of the forest sector cannot overlook integrated governance. While clear synergies exist in ecosystem restoration, the study highlights tensions between those promoting active management (such as assisted species migration) and those advocating for strict protection.

The findings underscore the need for tools that facilitate the flow of knowledge between the scientific community, policymakers, and civil society. The paper continues the commitment of Etifor and the OptFORESTS partners to promote science-based forest policies capable of valuing ecosystem services and genetic biodiversity as pillars of the European bioeconomy.

economia europea.

ARTICLE DETAILS

Title: Participatory mapping of the forest community stakeholders in Europe focusing on forest genetic resources, forest reproductive material, and protected forests

Authors: T. Rogelja, L. Secco, F. Lefèvre, E. Beuker, M. Westergren, B. Fady, S.C. González-Martínez, T. Myking, L.E. Pâques, C. Rellstab, G.G. Vendramin, T. Chauvin, M. van Loo, U. Ovaska, J. Giacomoni, A. Japelj,A.M. Farsakoglou, H. Konrad, S. Caiolo, A. Desgroux, M. Masiero

Year of publication: 2025 Download paper

From Flood to Drip Irrigation: A Review of Irrigation Modernization Trade-Offs

  • 2025

The journal Water has published the scientific review From Flood to Drip Irrigation: A Review of Irrigation Modernization Trade-Offs, authored by Alessandra Santini, Mauro Masiero and Davide Matteo Pettenella (University of Padua) and Giulia Amato (Etifor). The study analyzes the trade-offs associated with the transition from traditional flood irrigation to drip irrigation systems, often promoted as a universal solution to water scarcity.

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The journal Water has published the scientific review From Flood to Drip Irrigation: A Review of Irrigation Modernization Trade-Offs, authored by Alessandra Santini, Mauro Masiero and Davide Matteo Pettenella (University of Padua) and Giulia Amato (Etifor). The study analyzes the trade-offs associated with the transition from traditional flood irrigation to drip irrigation systems, often promoted as a universal solution to water scarcity.

Through a systematic review of scientific literature – conducted according to PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines on a final corpus of 62 publications – the research demonstrates that, while at the field scale drip irrigation produces clear benefits (higher yields, better water efficiency, reduction of soil emissions), at the basin scale the picture becomes more complex: farm-level water savings are often offset by the expansion of irrigated surfaces and production intensification, reducing the return flows that feed groundwater and downstream ecosystems. Irrigation modernization is therefore necessary but not sufficient, and must be accompanied by governance tools that regulate consumption and enhance the value of ecosystem services linked to traditional irrigation systems.

The paper is part of Etifor’s commitment to research on water-related ecosystem services and the governance of water resources in agriculture.

RESEARCH DETAILS

Title: From Flood to Drip Irrigation: A Review of Irrigation Modernization Trade-Offs

Authors: Alessandra Santini, Mauro Masiero, Giulia Amato e Davide Matteo Pettenella

Year of publication: 2025 Scarica il paper

Assessing Governance and Impacts of Water Funds in Colombia: An Institutional Analysis

  • 2025

The journal Sustainability (MDPI) has recently published the scientific article Assessing Governance and Impacts of Water Funds in Colombia: An Institutional Analysis, authored by Juan Diego Restrepo, Mauro Masiero, and Alessandro Leonardi. The study analyzes five Colombian Water Funds affiliated with the Latin American Water Funds Partnership (LAWFP) to understand why some of these mechanisms remain operational over time while others dissolve.

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The journal Sustainability (MDPI) has recently published the scientific article Assessing Governance and Impacts of Water Funds in Colombia: An Institutional Analysis, authored by Juan Diego Restrepo, Mauro Masiero, and Alessandro Leonardi. The study analyzes five Colombian Water Funds affiliated with the Latin American Water Funds Partnership (LAWFP) to understand why some of these mechanisms remain operational over time while others dissolve.

Drawing on Elinor Ostrom’s Institutional Analysis and Development (IAD) Framework — a widely used theoretical tool for studying the governance of common-pool resources — adapted for the analysis of payment for ecosystem services schemes, the research shows that the continuity of Water Funds depends primarily on three factors: the institutional strength of the actors involved, the trust between public and private stakeholders, and the quality of collaboration with regional environmental authorities. Funds structured as independent organizations, with strong roots in local social capital, proved significantly more stable over time.

Etifor contributed to this work through Alessandro Leonardi, co-author of the study and a key figure in the development of the analytical framework. The paper reflects Etifor’s ongoing commitment to research on Payment for Ecosystem Services and water governance, helping to fill a still surprisingly large gap in the scientific literature on these mechanisms.

PAPER DETAILS

Title: Assessing Governance and Impacts of Water Funds in Colombia: An Institutional Analysis

Authors: Juan Diego Restrepo, Mauro Masiero and Alessandro Leonardi

Year of publication: 2025 Download paper

Etifor in the World Bank Group Report on Landscape Restoration in Chad

  • 2025

The World Bank Group has recently published the report Strategic Landscape Restoration for Resilience: Leveraging Ecosystem Services to Secure Livelihoods in Chad, which provides guidelines for addressing land degradation and climate risks in Chad, using ecosystem services to improve local livelihoods and promote sustainable development.

 

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The World Bank Group has recently published the report Strategic Landscape Restoration for Resilience: Leveraging Ecosystem Services to Secure Livelihoods in Chad, which provides guidelines for addressing land degradation and climate risks in Chad, using ecosystem services to improve local livelihoods and promote sustainable development.

At the heart of the report is a case study exploring the Ouadi Rimé-Ouadi Achim Wildlife Reserve (OROA), one of the largest nature reserves in Africa, located in the Batha province in central Chad. Etifor played a key role in this project, contributing an in-depth analysis of the ecosystem services in the reserve, identifying opportunities for ecological restoration and sustainable tourism development that enhances the local natural heritage.

Our work, carried out as part of the PROGREEN project, focused on assessing changes in ecosystem services and defining opportunities for payment for ecosystem services (PES) schemes. In collaboration with HAMERKOP Climate Impacts and other local partners, including Fabien Castel, Olivier Levallois, and Hassane Abdoulaye, we developed practical solutions for the sustainable management of natural resources.

The report emphasizes the fundamental value of healthy ecosystems for the long-term well-being and stability of Chad, a country facing critical environmental challenges such as soil fertility loss and increasing water scarcity.

For more information about our work in Chad and Etifor’s contribution to this project, visit this page.

REPORT DETAILS

Title: Strategic Landscape Restoration for Resilience: Leveraging Ecosystem Services to Secure Livelihoods in Chad
Authors:World Bank
Publication’s year: 2025 Scarica il report

Socio-economic opportunities of Forest Care initiatives

  • 2025

Forest Care Initiatives (FCIs) use forest environments and resources to enhance health and well-being, foster social inclusion, and generate new local economies.
The paper, published in Dendronatura and authored by Ilaria Doimo (Etifor | Benefit Company) and Davide Pettenella (University of Padua), explores the socio-economic potential of FCIs, showing how they can support territorial regeneration and create new green jobs.

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Published on Dendronatura, n. 2/2025

Innovation Report on Deforestation-free Supply Chains

  • 2025

The EMMA4EU report presents 43 case studies to help companies and institutions tackle the challenges of the new EU Regulation on Deforestation-Free Products (EUDR).

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The EMMA4EU report presents 43 case studies to help companies and institutions tackle the challenges of the new EU Regulation on Deforestation-Free Products (EUDR).

Adopted in 2023, the EUDR requires strict standards of legality and sustainability for commodities such as timber, cocoa, coffee, soy, palm oil, and beef. The Innovation Report on Deforestation-Free Supply Chains, developed by the European project EMMA4EU, offers practical guidance for adapting to these requirements.

Through 43 real-world examples from around the globe, the report explores solutions in three key areas:

  • Legal compliance

  • Corporate social responsibility (CSR)

  • Technological tools for traceability

Each case is evaluated based on criteria such as effectiveness, efficiency, transparency, feasibility, and innovation, providing valuable insights for professionals working in supply chains, sustainability, and public policy.

DETTAGLI REPORT

Title: Innovation report on deforestation free supply chains

Lead authors: Ulrich Malessa (subcontractor), Laila Berning (University of Freiburg), Metodi Sotirov (University of Freiburg)
Contributing lead authors: Kristjan Jespersen, Kedar Uttam (Copenhagen Business School)
Corresponding lead author: Metodi Sotirov (University of Freiburg)
Contributing authors for Italian case studies: Elena Massarenti (Etifor), Helena Leonel Ferreira (Etifor), Nicola Andrighetto (Etifor)

Data di pubblicazione: january, 2025

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A Regenerative Management Plan for the Treviso-Ostiglia Cycle Route

  • 2025

In the heart of the Veneto region, the Treviso-Ostiglia cycle route stretches for over 50 km, crossing natural landscapes, small towns and four provinces. It is a strategic infrastructure for soft mobility and cycle tourism, and today, it benefits from an interprovincial and multi-stakeholder management plan—possibly the first of its kind in Italy.

 

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An innovative example of regenerative governance to enhance cycle tourism and the territories it crosses.

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