The 8th International Conference on Landscape and Urban Horticulture, organised by the International Society for Horticultural Science (ISHS) in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment of the University of Catania (Di3A), and the Institute for Research on Terrestrial Ecosystems (IRET) of the CNR, was held online from the 15th to the 17th of December 2021.

The Department of Land, Environment, Agriculture and Forestry of the University of Padua participated in the event, highlighting the issues and results of the LIFE BEWARE project.

In particular, Prof. Lucia Bortolini presented a paper on the simulation of the impact of different types of Nature Based Solutions (NBS) on runoff control in the city of Padua.  The study used a statistically distributed hydrological model from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service (i-Tree Hydro) to evaluate the effects of land use changes on runoff production in a predetermined area. The results showed that, among the types of intervention analysed, rain gardens are the most effective in the context of the city of Padua.

Dr. Francesco Bettella, on the other hand, presented the participatory approach used in the LIFE BEWARE project, analysing both the coordination implemented between information and dissemination actions and the development of the participatory process. The latter led to the drafting of a Climate Adaptation Plan for the Altovicentino territory (Altovicentino Mayors Adapt Strategy) to the drafting and implementation of rules on soil consumption in the Building Regulations of the partner municipalities.

The two contributions will be published in the journal of the international horticultural society (ACTA Horticolturae).

Congratulations to the TESAF department and thanks to Professor Bettella for bringing the participatory approach used in the LIFE Beware project to international attention.