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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