On December 5, 2024, a conference entitled “A new urban planning to save the soil” was held in Perugia (IT). Some stakeholders of the European LIVERUR Project were also present.
On this occasion, the close connection between soil and landscape was discussed, also passing through urban regeneration and some processes of recovery and reuse of organic plant materials for the construction of road surfaces and paving of squares, parks and gardens (engineered fibers).
Woody biomass from waste (bark, branches, prunings), in addition to having potential functions of energy and heat, plays a very important role in building covering material that maintains the right degree of humidity in urban and rural soils, avoiding water waste and ensuring proper ventilation of the root systems.
The collection of rainwater in tanks or city squares would also create spaces for recreational purposes and mitigation of high summer temperatures.
In Umbria and the Trasimeno area there are many farms with forested areas, especially in the hilly areas. The use of forests is mainly aimed at domestic heating and small wood industries. Many of the by-products of forestry cultivation and wood processing can be reused for the purposes described above.
In addition to the recovery of waste wood material, work is underway to conserve excess rainwater for irrigation purposes, for climate mitigation and for the construction of recreational and sports facilities in urban areas.
Once again the circular economy paths and the eco-sustainable planning processes of the rural and urban landscape meet and integrate perfectly.
(Written by Paolo Burini – UCT)
