Identification of tree species that are suitable for the current climate change scenarios in the Lazio region.

In environmental restoration and mitigation interventions, choosing suitable tree species for forestation is crucial, as it ensures that the right tree is planted in the right place, respecting the local potential vegetation. This approach is becoming increasingly important in light of the accelerating consequences of climate change and the current climate projections available at a national and regional scale in central Italy. Within this framework, the project aims to address this challenge by identifying tree species that are consistent with the vegetation potential of the Metropolitan City of Rome and the environment of the Lazio Region. These species must also present morpho-functional traits that characterise tolerance to environmental stress — the only way to ensure that plants are resistant and resilient. The species under study will be: Quercus suber L., Quercus cerris L., Quercus ilex L., Quercus pubescens L., Fraxinus ornus L. and Celtis australis L.

Dr. Lina Fusaro (IBE-CNR) collaborates to the project as coordinator.