Designing greener, more resilient and sustainable cities through scientific research. With this goal in mind, on Friday, 19 June, the Research Institute on Terrestrial Ecosystems (CNR-IRET) welcomed Florence’s Deputy Mayor, Paola Galgani, to its facilities at the Scientific Campus in Sesto Fiorentino. The visit focused on scientific strategies for urban green space management and urban forestry as key elements for enhancing environmental quality and citizens’ well-being.
Accompanied by the Head of the Sesto Fiorentino Unit, Alessio Giovannelli, and members of the Institute’s staff, the Deputy Mayor had the opportunity to gain first-hand insight into the research activities that make CNR-IRET a leading centre for the monitoring and management of natural ecosystems and urban green spaces.
During the visit, researchers presented the laboratories dedicated to studying soil health and tree growth, highlighting their combined role in improving air quality and enhancing CO₂ sequestration. The discussion then moved to research projects focused on protecting urban plant and animal biodiversity through multidisciplinary approaches and the development of urban green infrastructure based on effective Nature-based Solutions (NbS).
The visit concluded with an open discussion between the Deputy Mayor and researchers from CNR-IRET and the Institute for BioEconomy (CNR-IBE), focusing on ongoing scientific activities, research infrastructures, and future opportunities for collaboration between the National Research Council (CNR) and local institutions.
The challenge shared by researchers and public administrations is clear: to transform scientific knowledge into practical solutions and make sustainability a tangible part of everyday life. Meetings such as this play a crucial role in bridging the gap between those who generate knowledge and those responsible for translating it into policies that benefit citizens.
We sincerely thank Deputy Mayor, Paola Galgani for her interest in the work carried out by the CNR-IRET research team and for this valuable opportunity for dialogue and shared planning.
