The Fersina, regenerating an urban river

Trento Municipality, Italy

Biodiversity in spatial planning is often limited to the recognition of protected natural areas. However, the emergence of spatial planning-design approaches, such as green or blue infrastructure and nature-based solutions, is helping to increase the recognition and value of biodiversity in urban planning processes and policies.
In the Fersina stream, an Adige River tributary flowing in Trento City, the synergy between spatial planning, environmental and economic-financial assessments are to contribute to changes in the urban contexts. This will be thanks to the development of Ecosystem Services (ES) and their integration into public and private decision-making.
This case study provides evidence of practice-based criteria, local policies and tools that lie behind the observed outcomes, including the governance mechanisms being adopted.