The celebration of a forest heritage looking to the future
30 years of Bandiziol and Prassaccon Forests with LIFE ClimatePositive
The celebration of a forest heritage looking to the future
San Stino di Livenza, 24 May 2025 – Thirty years ago, one of the largest and most significant lowland forests in the Veneto region was established: the Bandiziol and Prassaccon Forest. A pioneering reforestation project, today it is a symbol of biodiversity, resilience, and active participation in land management. To mark this important anniversary, the Municipality of San Stino di Livenza hosted the conference “30 years of the San Stino forest” on the future of lowland forests and the strategic role of forest associations in the climate challenge. The conference was organized by the LIFE ClimatePositive and Associa.For.Innova projects, in collaboration with the Lowland Forest Association (AFP).
A story of vision and regeneration
Created in the mid-1990s, the San Stino di Livenza (VE) Forest spans 110 hectares and restores a landscape that once characterized the entire Po-Venetian plain. Pedunculate oak, hornbeam, ash, and field maple form a mosaic of biodiversity that tells a story of ecological regeneration and civic engagement.
The value of forest associations
At the heart of the discussion was the sustainable and shared management of forests as a concrete response to land abandonment and the climate crisis. Six associations from different regions of Italy took part in the round table, exchanging good practices and sharing challenges and visions for the future. Moderated by the Lowland Forest Association, the discussion featured the Fondiaria Association Valli delle Sorgenti (VA), Fondiaria Association Valle Po (CN), the Model Forest of the Florentine Mountains (FI), the Model Forest of the Aterno Valley (Abruzzo), and the Valli Unite del Canavese Cooperative (TO).
Participation, sustainable development, multifunctionality, and value chains were some of the recurring keywords during the event, highlighting the importance of development that integrates people and natural resources.
As Mayor Gianluca De Stefani reminded: “Our forest is not just a collection of trees: it is a living heritage of the community, useful for improving air quality and capturing CO₂. However, to maintain its functions, it must not be abandoned, but actively managed.”
The promise is to meet again and continue the dialogue begun on Saturday, expanding the discussion to other associations throughout the country, to overcome land fragmentation and bring forests back to the center of the public agenda, as emphasized by AFP president Radames Carbonera.
LIFE ClimatePositive: tools and vision for future forest management
During the event, Etifor | Valuing Nature presented the activities of the LIFE ClimatePositive European project, which promotes the creation and strengthening of forest associations as tools capable of:
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aggregating fragmented land ownership,
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enabling responsible and multifunctional management,
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enhancing the role of forests in providing ecosystem services, including carbon storage, soil protection, water regulation, and biodiversity conservation.
The project also aims to develop innovative financial tools and a nationally recognized Forest Carbon Code, in line with European directives on carbon farming and the 2030 Forest Strategy. Official project website: www.lifeclimatepositive.it
An afternoon in the forest, between education and discovery
The day concluded with an immersion in the heart of the forest: guided walks, workshops, and educational activities for families, schools, and the curious, organized by local associations such as Il Bosco di San Stino and A perdifiato snc, together with local technicians and beekeepers. A moment to rediscover the importance of connecting with nature, reflect on the value of biodiversity, and the urgency of participatory and sustainable management of lowland forests.
Photo by Alberto Pauletto, FSC Italia