- What climate or environmental changes have been most noticeable in recent years and what risks have they brought?
Climate change has brought three major risks: the risk of flooding, in the event of heavy rainfall, even of short duration, affecting the entire Parma and Baganza river basins; the risk of water scarcity, in the event of long periods of drought; the risk of heatwaves in urban areas, with extreme temperatures lasting for several consecutive days during the summer. Of course, the most vulnerable groups in the population suffer the most from the negative effects of climate change.
- BLOSSOM aims to link climate action with a better quality of life. Within the project, what measures are you considering in order to achieve this goal?
This project – in which Parma, in the role of follower city, studies the replicability of models identified by pilot cities – will analyse the potential bankability of certain NbS (such as unsealing, drainage systems, rain gardens, vertical greenery, etc.) within the San Leonardo neighbourhood and surrounding areas, which have unused areas and buildings that represent a potential opportunity for change in terms of climate resilience: actions aimed at preventing or mitigating the negative effects of climate change undoubtedly have a positive impact on the lives of neighbourhood residents, especially the most vulnerable.
- What actions is the Municipality of Parma taking to make the city’s green spaces more comfortable?
Every day, the Municipality of Parma takes care of over 5 million square metres of public green space and 42,000 trees, helping to make the city more liveable, sustainable and comfortable. Parks, gardens, tree-lined avenues and green areas are carefully managed to ensure safety, well-being and biodiversity, offering citizens well-maintained and accessible spaces for leisure, sport and relaxation. “Parma Città Verde” (Parma Green City) is a project that strengthens the connections between urban areas and natural spaces, promotes climate resilience and ensures that public green spaces are accessible to all. During 2025, almost 200 new trees were planted and a further 450 trees are planned to be planted, as envisaged in the “Green Plan” of the Municipality, a strategic tool for the planning, management and enhancement of the urban tree heritage, focused on sustainability and the well-being of citizens.
Within the San Leonardo neighbourhood, “Parco Nord” has just been redeveloped: the work involved the entrances, socialising and refreshment areas, sports facilities and play areas, with the creation of new footpaths, areas for calisthenics and dogs, as well as the refurbishment of fences and footbridges. Most of the interventions were identified by the neighbourhood’s residents through a structured participatory process.
- Do you believe that BLOSSOM projects can strengthen both climate resilience and local identity?
Blossom’s european breath, which brings Parma into contact with other european cities on issues related to climate change and the bankability of possible solutions to prevent or mitigate its negative effects, does not lose sight of the unique identity of the territory, seeking to identify actions that have a concrete impact on the local reality.
Article signed by: Parma Municipality
