On February 24th, the Municipality of Trento, one of the Arenas for Transformation in the European project BioValue (“Biodiversity Value in Spatial Policy and Planning: Leveraging Multi-Level Transformative Change”), officially presented its implementation plan for the revitalization of the Fersina River. The initiative represents a major step forward in Trento’s long-term strategy to embed biodiversity into urban planning, enhancing ecological value and accessibility along the river.
Trento joined BioValue in 2021, following a proposal by the DICAM – Department of Civil, Environmental and Mechanical Engineering of the University of Trento. The Fersina was selected as the pilot area due to its strategic environmental and urban relevance. This collaboration with the Municipality’s Mobility and Urban Regeneration Project aligns with broader goals to demonstrate that biodiversity conservation can be fully integrated into urban transformation processes.
The revitalization plan centers on the confluence between the Fersina and the Rio Salè, where work will begin in summer 2025. Key interventions include the creation of a small urban beach with stepped river access (gradoni), a ramp, and a green area with pedestrian and cycling paths connecting to the Alexander Langer Garden. Gravel islands will be rehabilitated and large stones will be placed to enhance oxygenation and natural crossing. A “counter-facade” on the left bank of the Rio Salè will support the settlement of native plant and animal species, while new safety measures such as railings and informative signage will ensure secure public access.
A notable element of the project is the de-cementification of the riverbed at the confluence, aimed at restoring a more natural flow and improving water quality and habitat conditions. This specific intervention is aligned with the goals of the European project SOLO – Soils for Europe, which seeks to build a lasting knowledge hub on soil health through strategic partnerships and participatory, transparent processes, and in which the DICAM is also involved.
Looking ahead, Trento envisions further renaturalization of the Fersina along its full course—from the natural canyon of the Orrido at Ponte Alto to the urban core and river mouth—transforming it into a fully accessible river park. The initiative reinforces Trento’s role as a laboratory for sustainable development, showing how nature-based solutions can boost both urban livability and ecological resilience.
Here are some relevant news sources discussing the project:
- https://www.comune.trento.it/Comunicazione/Il-Comune-informa/Ufficio-stampa/Comunicati-stampa/Torrente-Fersina-accesso-a-gradoni-percorsi-e-area-verde
- https://www.vitatrentina.it/2025/02/24/accesso-a-gradoni-al-fersina-il-comune-presenta-biovalue/
- https://corrieredeltrentino.corriere.it/notizie/cronaca/25_febbraio_25/trento-il-progetto-per-riqualificare-il-torrente-fersina-vogliamo-creare-una-spiaggetta-urbana-ed88c80e-419f-49c9-ae69-022ee6cfcxlk.shtml
- https://www.iltquotidiano.it/articoli/accesso-a-gradoni-percorsi-e-area-verde-cosi-il-fersina-avra-il-suo-parco-fluviale/
- https://www.ansa.it/trentino/notizie/2025/02/24/in-estate-i-lavori-per-un-parco-fluviale-sul-fersina-a-trento_15deeadc-c28c-4102-908c-424f0297ec7c.html
- https://www.gaeta.it/trento-lancia-il-progetto-per-un-parco-fluviale-sul-torrente-fersina-in-arrivo-lavori-entro-estate
- https://www.radioetv.it/2025/02/24/un-nuovo-parco-fluviale-a-trento/
- https://www.rainews.it/tgr/trento/articoli/2025/02/nuova-spiaggia-sul-fersina-per-avvicinare-trento-ai-suoi-corsi-dacqua-b5d8f6e1-d96a-4be5-b933-8d4b41655011.html
- https://www.trentinotv.it/news/il-torrente-fersina-si-avvicina-alla-citta-il-progetto-740
- https://www.giornaletrentino.it/cronaca/novit%C3%A0-per-il-fersina-percorsi-area-verde-e-accesso-a-gradoni-1.4006963






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I conduct research on the economic evaluation of nature-based investments, and the use of multi-criteria decision-making methods, econometric models for supporting decisions by public-private stakeholders in the sustainable urban planning of the cities. Formerly intern at the Forestry Policy and Division of the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO), visiting scholar at SUNY College in Syracuse (USA), expert for the European Commission.
My main research interest is the evaluation of ecosystem services supplied by Nature-based Solutions in cities and its support to spatial planning. More specifically, with the research grant I’ve been assigned I’m conducting a detailed analysis of the benefits provided by community gardens in the city of Trento.






Based on a legal geography approach, I conduct research on the impact of planning regulations on urban development, transfer of development rights, and preservation of natural urban areas along with research on governance and approaches to public participation in planning. Formerly post-doc researcher at TU Delft and planning consultant for local planning authorities.



I research the relations among Nature-Based Solutions (NBS), Ecosystem Services, and Urban Sustainability. Specifically, I study environmental and economic assessments of NBS making use of a systems dynamics approach. I hold academic degrees in Environmental Sciences, Architecture/Urbanism, and Landscape Ecology. In the past, I worked for a planning consultancy in the UK.
I research the link between nature-based solutions and sustainability to support the spatial planning of sustainable cities. I worked as a research fellow at the University of Trento, Italy, mapping and assessing the ecosystem services provided by the urban green infrastructure of the city of Havana, Cuba. I hold a Master of Science in Architecture and Construction Engineering from the University of Trento, Italy.
My research interests include sustainable urban and landscape development, especially regarding the topics of ecosystem services, urban metabolism, and circular economy. My current research activities focus on the planning of nature-based solutions in urban areas. I received my MSc in “Planning and Policies for Cities, Environment and Landscape” from the University IUAV of Venice.

His PhD research focused Spatial planning policies to integrate climate change adaptation at local level in India. Parveen is currently a post-doc researcher at the Environmental Research Institute, University College Cork
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