Second meeting for the Forestami Academy in collaboration with the Prada Group
Milan, 18th June 2025 – The Forestami Academy, the educational program dedicated to exploring the value of urban greenery, created by Forestami in collaboration with the Prada Group, enjoyed great public participation at the second meeting of its third year.
The speaker of the day was Tiziana Ulian, an international expert in plant ecology and biodiversity conservation, Associate Professor of the University of Turin and Honorary Research Associate at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (UK). With over 25 years’ experience in the field facilitating projects in Latin America, Africa and the Mediterranean Region, Tiziana Ulian has demonstrated an insight into the crucial role of plant biodiversity and ecosystem-based services in the urban environment, as well as the current and potential role of botanic gardens.
“Nature in the city is not a luxury, it is an essential infrastructure”, explains Ulian. “Plants not only embellish urban spaces, but they also provide vital services such as purifying the air, bringing temperatures down, supporting mental health, regulating the climate, pollination, and much more”.
Botanic Gardens also play a vital role in safeguarding biodiversity, acting as hubs for conservation, innovation, education and connection between science, public administrations and citizens. International examples of excellence, from the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew in England to the Jardín Botánico Nacional of Santo Domingo, and the Orto Botanico di Torino, demonstrate how these spaces can function as real living laboratories that support urban resilience.
This second event closed with a walk in Parco Sempione. Under the guidance of Fabio Campana, Agronomist in charge of Environmental Services at Parco Nord Milano, along with Agrotechnician Andrea Montorio, and Forestry Manager and Riccardo Tucci, Senior Technical Officer at Parco Nord Milano, the participants explored the urban nature of Milan’s historic park, one of the best-loved in the city.
The Forestami Academy cycle continues with the goal of spreading knowledge, raising awareness and educating a community that is committed and competent regarding the value of greenery and nature in urban environments. The third and final meeting in the 2025 will take place in September with an outdoor experience.
