The KilometroVerdeParma Forestry Consortium , PEFC certified by CSQA for the sustainable management of its permanent urban and peripheral tree plantations, celebrates a historic milestone: on 19 December 2025, tree number 100,000 was planted , the result of five years of work by the social enterprise and the forestation projects launched in the Parma area.PEFC (Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification) certification currently covers approximately 35 hectares of new plantations, created by 12 Ordinary members : Consorzio Forestale KilometroVerdeParma, Agugiaro & Figna Molini, Dulevo International, Smeg, Chiesi Farmaceutici, Laterlite, Davines, Montecchi, Mutti, Gea Procomac, Cosmoproject and Dallara Group.
This achievement demonstrates the Consortium's commitment to a forestation program that goes beyond simply planting trees, promoting careful and responsible long-term management of green spaces.
Over the past five years, the KilometroVerdeParma Forestry Consortium has transformed uncultivated or marginal land into new forests and green spaces, thanks to 60 public and private projects, some of which were supported by the Cariparma Foundation and the Emilia-Romagna Region.
Urban and peri-urban forestry interventions are essential for adapting to climate change, as they help reduce the urban heat island effect , increase tree cover, and improve air quality. These actions help control temperatures and mitigate air pollution, while also supporting biodiversity and creating habitats for various species.
At the same time, environmental education programs were activated with the “WeTree” project , involving over 14,000 students in five years through educational activities, awareness-raising projects and training courses, for a total of over 1,170 hours of training .
Furthermore, collaborations with companies for corporate volunteering are promoted , organizing plantations, environmental cleanups and explorations, which strengthen the bond between companies and the community, contributing to sustainability and protection of the territory.
Among the planned initiatives in 2026 , significant projects for the redevelopment of green spaces in Parma stand out.
Specifically, the redevelopment of Piazzale Borri includes renovating the green space and playground, through a de-sealing process of the adjacent paved surface. This project will help create a welcoming environment, featuring shaded areas, improving accessibility and usability for residents.
The Arboretum on Viale du Tillot , on the other hand, is intended as an open-air museum, hosting 150 plant species from all over the world and contributing to increasing local biodiversity.
Furthermore, the renaturalization of the Viarolo Quarry is planned, recognized as a Site of Community Importance (SCI) and a Special Protection Area (SPA).
These actions aim to enhance the ecological functions and strengthen the resilience of green areas, promoting sustainable practices and innovative policies for lasting redevelopment.
Antonio Mortali, technical director of the KilometroVerdeParma Forestry Consortium, states: “PEFC certification represents a strategic milestone for our forest management model, confirming our commitment to applying sustainable practices aimed at maintaining and enhancing ecological functions, ensuring the resilience of urban ecosystems and improving the environmental and social quality of cities.”
The PEFC standard , based on the criteria defined at the Ministerial Conferences on the Protection of Forests in Europe (https://foresteurope.org/), ensures that forests are managed to preserve their ecological, economic and social functions, today and in the future .
A management system that, on the one hand, enhances the company's environmental commitment and makes its results measurable, and on the other, guarantees the community more trees, less heat, cleaner air, enhanced biodiversity, and green spaces accessible to all.