Nature-Positive Cities: Adaptive Spatial Planning in Italy

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Nature-Positive Cities: How Adaptive Spatial Planning in Italy Is Leading the Ecological Urban Transition


Urbanisation, climate change, biodiversity loss — cities face mounting challenges in the 21st century. Yet some urban centres are not just reacting, they are transforming: shifting from grey, concrete-dominated landscapes toward nature-positive cities where ecology and human wellbeing unite. Italy offers fascinating examples of this adaptive transition.

What is a “Nature-Positive City”?

A nature-positive city actively restores biodiversity and ecosystem services rather than merely reducing harm. According to recent research, it:

  • Integrates urban biodiversity and soil ecosystems into city planning;
  • Uses green and blue infrastructure — trees, wetlands, permeable surfaces — to deliver ecosystem services such as cooling and flood control;
  • Sets measurable targets and monitoring frameworks for ecological outcomes.

In short, such a city is good for nature and for people.

Why Italy?

Italy’s cities combine ancient heritage with modern sustainability innovation. Key drivers include:

  • National focus on urban forestry and green infrastructure (e.g., Asti’s tree canopy study).
  • Alignment with the EU Nature Restoration Regulation and biodiversity strategy.
  • Establishment of the NbS Italy Hub for promoting nature-based solutions.

This context makes Italy a living laboratory for ecological urban transformation.

Adaptive Spatial Planning Explained

Adaptive spatial planning is a flexible approach that views ecosystems as dynamic infrastructure. Its principles include:

  • Interdisciplinarity: Collaboration among planners, ecologists, engineers and citizens.
  • Nature-based solutions: Using ecological processes—like vegetation and soil—to solve urban problems.
  • Monitoring and feedback: Tracking canopy cover, biodiversity, and climate indicators to refine policies.
  • Policy integration: Linking green infrastructure with mobility, water management, and land-use.

Italian Case Studies

1. Reggio Emilia – Climate-Friendly Parks

The LIFE CITYAdaP3 project turned Reggio Emilia’s parks into adaptive green spaces for biodiversity and heat resilience.

  • Vegetation serves as ecological infrastructure.
  • Citizens participate through signage, workshops, and QR codes.
  • Over 61 000 m² of adaptive parks are planned city-wide.

Learn more about Reggio Emilia’s project.

2. Florence – Flood Mitigation through Nature

In Florence, researchers developed a spatial multi-criteria approach to identify flood-risk areas and apply nature-based interventions such as green swales and permeable pavements.

This approach combines spatial data, ecological design, and urban policy to protect heritage and citizens alike.

3. Asti – Tree-Canopy Urban Study

Asti’s Urban Green Development study evaluated canopy cover and green space accessibility. Results showed that 64 out of 70 districts met the goal of “three trees per building and green area within 300 m.”

Such data-driven metrics guide effective green policies and city planning.

Planning Instruments and Policy Tools

  • Urban Greening Plans (UGP): Integrate EU restoration goals into local law.
  • Green & Blue Infrastructure policy: Recognises vegetation and water networks as vital urban systems.
  • Soil protection: Limiting land-take and sealing to preserve ecosystem services.
  • Nature-based Solutions (NBS): Applied for flood control, biodiversity and cooling.
  • Citizen co-planning: Engaging residents and NGOs in design and maintenance.

Benefits of Nature-Positive Planning

  1. Climate resilience: Green infrastructure mitigates heat and flooding.
  2. Biodiversity recovery: Enhances habitat and ecosystem services.
  3. Health & wellbeing: Access to nature improves mental and physical health.
  4. Economic value: Increases livability, property values and tourism.
  5. Sustainable land-use: Prevents sprawl and preserves natural areas.

Challenges Ahead

Despite progress, Italian cities face barriers:

  • Many Urban Greening Plans are not legally binding.
  • Data collection for biodiversity remains complex.
  • Fragmentation between departments hinders coordination.
  • Maintenance costs threaten long-term success.
  • Equity concerns: green benefits must reach all communities.

Key Lessons for the Future

  • Treat nature as essential urban infrastructure.
  • Base planning on spatial data and monitoring.
  • Integrate multiple policies for synergy.
  • Engage citizens from concept to maintenance.
  • Set measurable goals—canopy cover, green space per capita.

Ultimately, cities can move from mitigating harm to restoring nature.

Conclusion: A Natural Transition

Through adaptive spatial planning, Italy shows how cities can become nature-positive—places that restore biodiversity, improve climate resilience and enhance life quality. As other nations follow, the goal is clear: design cities that live with nature, not against it.

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