Here are the places to visit on the occasion of National tree day
National tree day has been celebrated for some years now on November 21st in Italy. Established in 2013 by the Ministry of the Environment, it was created to highlight the crucial role that the plant world, and particularly trees, can play in the improvement of our quality of life. Related events and publications are aimed at keeping people aware of the contribution trees provide to our wellbeing. Italian Traditions will guide you on the discovery of this occasion, and tell you about its origin. We will also present some of the most beautiful woods in Italy.
The origins
Although it has always been celebrated with independent local events, Tree Day was institutionalized at a National level and set on November 21st by Law n.10 of 14th January 2013.
From that moment, it has taken place every year with different themes and addressed issues of fundamental importance that see in trees and forests the best form of protection against phenomena such as climate change and the effects resulting from human presence.
Apart from meetings and conferences, during the day children and young people are sensitized with tree planting activities in public areas, with the support of schools, local institutions and the State Forestry Corps.
The importance of trees for the environment
The importance of plants on everyday life is evident. They play a crucial role for the survival of man on earth. First of all by producing indispensable oxygen and absorbing carbon dioxide. Last year’s edition was called “Roots” with good reason, in fact it created awareness on the action that the forest patrimony plays against hydro-geological instability and in favor of the containment of landslides.
This year’s edition deals with the theme of urban forestry, an issue on top of the agenda of all major Italian municipalities, and involving consistent efforts from local and national Research Centers, Universities and Institutions. The goal is to provide cities with high population density not only of “green lungs” such as parks and areas which are often decentralized, but, above all, of a widespread planting that, apart from influencing the air quality, can mitigate the microclimate significantly lowering the actual and perceived temperatures.
The most beautiful forests in Italy
In Italy there are many woods. Each year these are more and more at risk and for this reason they must be protected and safeguarded. Furthermore it is essential for man to undertake initiatives to defend these green areas. We want to introduce you to three of the most famous and important Italian woods you can visit to celebrate this special day. These are:
- Stelvio National Park
Credits: Consorzio Dimaro Folgarida Vacanze
- Val Grande National Park and Val Vigezzo
Credits: DiscoveryAlps
- National Park of the Sibillini Mountains.
Credits: www.ambiente.marche.it
The first is one of the oldest parks in Italy and was established in 1934. It extends over 134,000 hectares across four provinces. These are Bolzano, Trento, Brescia and Sondrio. The second is located in Piedmont, between Lake Maggiore and the Swiss Alps. This area is covered by numerous plants including beeches, chestnut trees, maples and oaks. The last is located between Umbria and the Marche. In this protected area there are a dozen peaks that exceed 2000 meters.
More and more people today are sensitive to environmental issues. The merit is of initiatives such as national tree day on 21st November, that every year aims to reconnect people and nature and is organized in particular to involve children.