"Verde Ovunque" in born in Genoa: from a University project to an urban biodiversity festival

Genoa is opening up to urban biodiversity with “Verde Ovunque” (“Green Everywhere”), the city’s first festival dedicated to the topic. The initiative originated from a university thesis and was quickly transformed into a collaborative project involving institutions and local stakeholders. The festival was conceived by Marine Barletti, 24, from the Association of Friends of the Botanical Garden, with the participation of the Botanical Garden of Genoa, the University of Genoa, the Municipality of Genoa, and Aster.

The first edition of the festival took place from 22 to 24 May at the Botanical Garden on Corso Dogali, featuring a rich program of activities including guided tours, workshops for children and adults, outdoor educational experiences, and learning paths designed to help participants identify plant species, insects, and small ecosystems that exist throughout the city but often go unnoticed.

The initiative aims to raise awareness of the importance of green spaces in urban environments, not only to enhance the city’s aesthetic value but also to improve well-being and quality of life. Biodiversity is present in neighborhoods, public gardens, and urban spaces across the city, and learning to recognize it is an essential step toward protecting and enhancing it.

In this context, the Municipality of Genoa’s commitment plays a key role. The city has launched a census of its urban green spaces and continues to develop its Green Plan, both strategic tools for the sustainable and informed management of the city’s natural heritage.

Among the key projects presented during the festival is “Prati Urbani Fioriti” (“Flowering Urban Meadows”), developed in collaboration with Aster and set to involve several areas of the city, including the flowerbeds along Corso Dogali, the Ariosto Garden in Certosa, Achille Dapelo Park in Prà, and various sections of Corso Europa. The project introduces an innovative maintenance approach based on differentiated and scheduled mowing, allowing some areas to grow for longer periods in order to support pollinating insects and contribute to increasing urban biodiversity.

“Verde Ovunque” is a concrete example of how an idea born in an academic setting can evolve into a valuable project for the city—one capable of encouraging public participation, strengthening cooperation among institutions, and promoting urban policies increasingly focused on sustainability.