Parco Nord Milano has become the first organization in Italy to achieve PEFC certification – an organization promoting the correct and sustainable management of forestry assets – for the sustainable management of Urban Greenery , obtained for all its urban and peri-urban green spaces.The goal is to maintain and increase urban greenery while protecting biodiversity and ecosystem services.
The recognition, issued by the CSQA and CSI certification bodies to the 443.80 hectares of the park , represents a significant step in the enhancement of metropolitan green infrastructure and the adoption of transparent, rigorous and sustainable land management practices.
This is the first certification in Italy specifically dedicated to urban greenery and represents, in the urban context, the extension of an already consolidated international system in forest management and present in 57 countries worldwide with 300 million hectares of certified forests, of which 1.1 million are in Italy.
The PEFC certification for Urban Greenery certifies that the management of trees, parks, gardens, and urban forests is carried out according to internationally recognized criteria and oriented towards environmental, social, and economic sustainability.
The PEFC ITA 1001-6 standard applies to urban forests, public and private parks, historic gardens, and linear or widespread tree plantings, integrating specific indicators for maintaining the carbon cycle, biodiversity, ecosystem health , and the protective and social-recreational functions of urban greenery.
Rete Clima, a technical partner that supported the Park in drafting the certification manual, collecting data, and preparing for audits by the CSQA and CSI bodies, played a key role in the certification process.
The North Milan park as a model
“By obtaining PEFC certification, Parco Nord Milano confirms its vision of urban nature as vital infrastructure and demonstrates how a public body can adopt advanced and transparent management systems, geared towards long-term sustainability,” said Marzio Marzorati, President of Parco Nord Milano . “This recognition strengthens the Park's role as a metropolitan laboratory of best environmental practices , inspiring other bodies to follow the same path for a greener, more equitable, and more sustainable urban future.”PEFC certification
The certification concerns a total area of 443.80 hectares, divided into 126.2 ha of urban forests, 271.50 ha of parks and gardens, 11,976 trees distributed across 46.1 ha of linear or widespread tree stands, of which 8,341 trees in rows (32.11 ha) and 3,635 trees isolated or in groups (13.99 ha).The park includes woods, clearings, meadows, lakes, wetlands, wildlife habitats, tree rows, recreational areas, cycle/pedestrian paths, and spaces dedicated to cultural and social enjoyment.
Located in the northern Milanese belt , it affects the municipalities of Milan, Sesto San Giovanni, Bresso, Cinisello Balsamo, Novate Milanese, Cormano and Cusano Milanino: a mosaic of natural landscapes that plays an essential role in air quality, climate mitigation and the well-being of citizens.
PEFC Standard: criteria and scope of application
The PEFC standard for Urban Greenery evaluates the quality of management based on six key criteria:- the maintenance and increase of urban greenery and the tree population;
- the health and vitality of ecosystems, phytosanitary monitoring and correct maintenance of trees;
- the management of productive functions and ecosystem services;
- the conservation and improvement of biodiversity, the protection of sensitive habitats and rare species;
- protective functions such as soil, drainage, hydraulic risk and microclimate;
- socio-economic functions such as safety, public enjoyment, participation and inclusion.
A living park: culture, environmental education, participation
The sustainability certification of the Parco Nord Milano is part of a broader vision that combines sustainability of forest management with social sustainability : the Park is a cultural, educational, and community center, hosting initiatives that strengthen the relationship between citizens and nature.Among the most significant are the Biodiversity Festival – an annual event dedicated to nature, science, culture, and active citizenship – as well as environmental education programs for schools of all levels and citizen science events dedicated to monitoring biodiversity through sound analysis and wildlife censuses.
The park also hosts guided tours, educational tours, and themed walks, and is also the venue for artistic, cultural, and sporting events that promote well-being and socializing.
All these activities and initiatives make Parco Nord Milano a true metropolitan laboratory of sustainability, culture, and participation. PEFC certification strengthens the credibility and continuity of its environmental policies.