Observatory-Italy – Ubiteach Project

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National Context

Milan is one of the most densely urbanised metropolitan areas in Italy and represents a strategic context for an Urban Biodiversity Observatory focused on climate adaptation, ecological connectivity and nature-based urban regeneration.

Over the last decade, Milan has progressively integrated biodiversity and green infrastructure into its urban planning framework through initiatives such as Forestami, the Air and Climate Plan, the urban requalification of former railway yards, and the development of green corridors connecting parks, rivers and peri-urban agricultural landscapes.

The Observatory functions as a scientific, technical and participatory platform that supports the monitoring of urban ecosystems and the implementation of biodiversity-oriented policies. It focuses on ecological connectivity between parks, waterways and peri-urban areas, urban forestry and canopy expansion, biodiversity in public green spaces and regenerated areas, ecosystem services and climate resilience, and citizen participation and environmental awareness.

Strategic framework

Milan Air and Climate Plan: defines the city long-term strategy for climate mitigation and adaptation, promoting urban green infrastructure, urban heat island reduction, increased tree canopy, sustainable mobility, biodiversity-friendly public spaces and stormwater management through nature-based solutions.
Forestami Programme: supports urban cooling, carbon sequestration, ecological connectivity, biodiversity enhancement, public health and environmental awareness, with the ambition to plant 3 million trees across the Metropolitan Area of Milan by 2030.
Milan 2030 Urban Planning Strategy: integrates biodiversity into regeneration projects, public spaces and mobility corridors, with particular relevance for former railway yards, green corridors, peri-urban agriculture, sustainable drainage, depaving and ecological restoration.
Metropolitan Ecological Network: connects Parco Nord Milano, Parco Agricolo Sud Milano, the Navigli canal system, the Lambro river corridor, the Ticino ecological network, urban parks and local green spaces.

Data Collection

The Italian National Observatory was informed through a structured stakeholder consultation process carried out within the U.BI.TEACH project. Three online workshops were conducted with 10 stakeholders representing higher education institutions, environmental experts, urban planners, educators, civil society organisations, and citizens interested in urban sustainability and biodiversity.

Participants were first introduced to the U.BI.TEACH Urban Biodiversity Observatory framework and the Milan case study. Through facilitated discussions, participants analysed the current state of urban biodiversity in Milan, identifying key pressures, existing initiatives, governance challenges, and opportunities for improvement.

The workshops followed a participatory co-creation methodology based on guided discussions, brainstorming activities, thematic exchanges, and consensus-building exercises. Inputs were collected and categorised as Needs, Actions, and Proposals. The identified priorities were subsequently validated against Milan’s biodiversity strategies, climate adaptation policies, green infrastructure plans, and ongoing initiatives such as Forestami, Parco Agricolo Sud Milano, and urban regeneration projects.

The consultation process highlighted habitat fragmentation, limited ecological connectivity, biodiversity monitoring gaps, pressures on waterways and pollinators, and insufficient public awareness as the main challenges affecting urban biodiversity in Milan.
Needs

Strengthen Ecological Connectivity Across Milan

Improve connections between parks, waterways, urban forests and peri-urban green areas to reduce habitat fragmentation and support species movement throughout the metropolitan area.

Establish a Permanent Urban Biodiversity Monitoring System

Develop a coordinated monitoring framework integrating ecological surveys, GIS data, remote sensing and citizen science to assess biodiversity trends and ecosystem services.

Increase Habitat Diversity for Pollinators

Expand pollinator-friendly habitats through flowering meadows, biodiversity-friendly management practices and ecological corridors across public and private green spaces.

Improve Ecological Quality of Urban Waterways

Enhance biodiversity and ecological functionality along the Lambro River and Navigli canal system through restoration and monitoring activities.

Enhance Biodiversity Awareness and Citizen Engagement

Increase public participation through citizen science programmes, biodiversity education activities and community stewardship initiatives.

Expand Nature-Based Solutions in Dense Urban Areas

Promote green roofs, depaving projects, rain gardens and urban forests to support biodiversity while addressing climate adaptation challenges.
Suggested Actions

Develop a Metropolitan Ecological Network

Create and strengthen ecological corridors linking major parks, rivers, regenerated areas and peri-urban ecosystems.

Relevant Stakeholders: Municipality of Milan, Metropolitan City, Park Authorities, Universities

Status: Ready for Action

Launch a Milan Urban Biodiversity Monitoring Platform

Establish a publicly accessible biodiversity database integrating monitoring data, citizen science observations and environmental indicators.

Relevant Stakeholders: Municipality, Universities, NGOs

Status: Ready for Action

Expand Pollinator Corridors

Introduce flowering strips, biodiversity-friendly planting schemes and pollinator habitats across public spaces and schoolyards.

Relevant Stakeholders: Municipality, Schools, Communities

Status: Ongoing

Restore Urban Waterways

Implement biodiversity enhancement measures along the Lambro River and Navigli system through habitat restoration and water quality improvement.

Relevant Stakeholders: Municipality, Water Authorities, Environmental Agencies

Status: Medium-term Priority

Strengthen Biodiversity Education Programmes

Increase biodiversity literacy through schools, universities and community engagement initiatives.

Relevant Stakeholders: Educational Institutions, NGOs, Municipality

Status: Ready for Action

Scale Up Nature-Based Solutions

Expand green roofs, depaving interventions, urban forests and climate adaptation projects throughout the city.

Relevant Stakeholders: Municipality, Developers, Urban Planners

Status: Ongoing
Active Initiatives

Forestami

Metropolitan initiative aiming to plant 3 million trees by 2030, increasing canopy cover and strengthening biodiversity and climate resilience.

Parco Agricolo Sud Milano

Protected peri-urban park covering approximately 47,000 hectares that preserves biodiversity, agricultural ecosystems and ecological connectivity.

Parco Nord Milano

Large metropolitan park (640 ha) created through ecological restoration and urban regeneration.

BAM – Biblioteca degli Alberi Milano

Innovative urban park promoting biodiversity, environmental education and community participation.

Milan Climate Adaptation Strategy

Municipal programme supporting climate resilience through urban greening, depaving and ecosystem-based approaches.

Regeneration of Former Railway Yards

Large-scale regeneration projects integrating green infrastructure, biodiversity measures and ecological connectivity into urban redevelopment.

Green Schoolyards Programme

Initiative promoting biodiversity-friendly educational environments and environmental awareness among students.
Additional Resources

Piano Aria e Clima – Comune di Milano

Type: Policy / Strategy

Forestami

Type: Programme / Platform

Milan Geoportal

Type: GIS / Data platform

City of Milan Open Data Portal

Type: Open data platform

Geoportale Regione Lombardia

Type: GIS / Data platform

Copernicus Earth Observation Programme

Type: Satellite data / Platform

iNaturalist

Type: Citizen science platform

Observation.org

Type: Citizen science platform

Metropolitan Territorial Information System – PTM

Type: Planning / Territorial data
Student Projects

The following project concepts were identified as particularly relevant to the biodiversity challenges and priorities emerging from the Milan Urban Biodiversity Observatory. These projects address key needs related to ecological connectivity, pollinator conservation, urban greening, biodiversity monitoring, and citizen engagement. The entries below represent the proposed student project themes for the U.BI.TEACH e-LABS and may be updated with the final student outputs upon project completion.

Urban Pollinator Corridors Lab

This project focuses on designing and mapping a network of pollinator-friendly corridors across Milan. Students will identify strategic locations connecting parks, community gardens, schoolyards, green roofs, and urban meadows to support bees, butterflies, and other pollinating species. The project will assess existing habitat availability, propose biodiversity-friendly planting schemes using native species, and develop recommendations for integrating pollinator corridors into Milan’s green infrastructure strategy. Expected outputs may include GIS maps, habitat enhancement proposals, awareness campaigns, and biodiversity monitoring tools.

File: Idea 1 — Urban Pollinator Corridors Lab

Rewilding University Campuses in Milan

This project explores how university campuses can contribute to urban biodiversity by adopting rewilding principles and nature-based solutions. Students will assess selected university campuses in Milan and identify opportunities to increase habitat diversity through native vegetation, pollinator gardens, rain gardens, biodiversity-friendly lawn management, nesting structures, green roofs, and ecological corridors. The project aims to transform campuses into living laboratories for biodiversity conservation, environmental education, and citizen science while contributing to the wider ecological network of the city. Expected outputs may include campus biodiversity audits, rewilding masterplans, design concepts, and implementation guidelines.

File: Idea 2 – Rewilding University Campuses in Milan – A4

Project U.BI.TEACH – URBAN BIODIVERSITY TEACHING AND LEARNING IN HIGHER EDUCATION SECTOR (2023-1-ES01-KA220-HED-000154248 )

Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.

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