Context of the problem

The Asiago plateau saw remarkable devastation to its forests following storm Vaia in 2018. More than 41,000 hectares were affected, with large swaths of trees damaged or felled completely. Without human intervention, reestablishing a climate resilient forest ecosystem may take centuries.​

Solution

With the support of forestry experts, the project designs a climate-resilient, mixed-species forest built with native trees to restore the destroyed area. A contribution enables the resourcing, planting, and care to ensure the successful re-establishment of this vital ecosystem. ​

Project area: Piana di Marcesina, Asiago region of Italy​

The Piana di Marcesina region is part of a nature preserve located in the mountains of northeastern Italy. It is characterized by its rich history, prized food exports such as Asiago cheese, and natural beauty. The area has sustained significant damage over the years from war events and human conflicts. ​

• The area was priorly deforested during the first World War due to heavy fighting. At that time, the area was replanted in a monoculture of spruce trees, whose shallow root systems could not stand up to the 2018 Vaia storm. ​
• This high-elevation area experiences extreme hot and cold temperatures throughout the seasons, making climate-resistant tree selection critical to success.​

Measures

The following measures are planned for the reforestation: ​

• Mixed-tree approach in nesting planting pattern, rather than rows​
  Tree plantings are monitored and maintained to protect them from animal browsing and weather events.​
• 7 species in the planting plan, predominantly beech, silver fir, and larch, with additional mountain ash, rowan, salix, and birch.