NEWS

Milan, 22^nd April 2025 - On Earth Day, the Prada Group and Forestami announce the third edition of the Forestami Academy, the project aimed at engaging and raising citizens’ awareness of the importance and role of nature in the city. Coordinated by Maria Chiara Pastore, Associate Professor at the Politecnico University in Milan, the program includes three meetings - one of which is an outdoor lesson - that will take an in-depth look at the role of plants in modern urban settings, with talks by international experts from cultural, academic and scientific spheres.

The title of this year’s cycle is “Plants in cities: do we really know them?”, which will be a journey through green architecture, biodiversity and invisible connections among plants, soil and citizens.

Lorenzo Bertelli, Prada Group Head of Corporate Social Responsibility, said: “We are excited to be alongside Forestami for the third year running, actively collaborating in promoting urban greenery and the well-being of the people of the city of Milan. This year, the Forestami Academy’s activities will be dedicated to teaching how to recognize green spaces, which will help make citizens more aware and better informed. Protecting and promoting plant biodiversity, after having explored it and become familiar with it first-hand, is not only a mark of respect for the environment, but a vital step towards a more sustainable future.”

Stefano Boeri, creator and founder of Forestami, commented: “The Forestami Academy initiative is vital for building a deeper understanding and appreciation for urban forestry and biodiversity – the very building blocks of our cities' future. People want to connect with the environment around them and to be an active part of a shared ecological culture. This has been key to the Academy's success. As we reach the culmination of its current three-year cycle, we want to see it evolve and continue its mission. We're incredibly proud of our partnership with Prada Group. It's a brilliant example of how businesses and local entities can join forces to bring about tangible environmental change.”

The first of the three events in 2025, called “Plants in the city”, will be held on Thursday, 15^th May at the Triennale Milano with Paola Bonfante, Professor Emeritus of Plant Biology of the University of Turin, affiliated with the Accademia dei Lincei. “Greener cities, better lives: the role of plant biodiversity and ecosystem-based services in urban spaces” is the title of the second meeting, scheduled for Wednesday, 18^th June at the Triennale Milano, with Tiziana Ulian of the University of Turin, Honorary Research Associate, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (UK).

The third and final lesson from the Forestami Academy, to be held in September 2025, will be an outdoor experience focused on the recognition of urban forestry that will enable practical use of the knowledge gained.