University of Catania – Research Partner for Green Living Areas

Dear all,
I am writing on behalf of the Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment (Di3A) of the University of Catania, Italy, to express our interest in joining a consortium within the Interreg Euro-MED Green Living Areas Mission.

Our research group, coordinated by Prof. Daniela Romano, Full Professor of Horticulture and Floriculture, has extensive scientific and applied experience in Mediterranean landscape and urban horticulture, ornamental and Mediterranean plant species, sustainable management of green areas, and plant responses to abiotic stresses.

Our expertise includes, in particular:
• selection and evaluation of ornamental and Mediterranean plant species for urban green spaces and climate-resilient landscapes;
• physiological and productive responses of plants to water scarcity, salinity, shading and other environmental stresses;
• water-use efficiency and identification of species suitable for low-input and water-limited environments;
• planning and sustainable management of parks, gardens and Mediterranean green areas;
• use and valorisation of native plant biodiversity for urban and peri-urban greening;
• research on medicinal and aromatic plants, including essential oils, plant extracts and their potential applications also in urban horticulture;
• development and evaluation of plant-based solutions contributing to biodiversity conservation, climate adaptation and ecosystem services.

The research group has long-standing experience in national and European research projects addressing sustainable horticulture, plant biodiversity, Mediterranean production systems, urban green infrastructure and plant adaptation to environmental constraints.
Within a transnational consortium, the University of Catania could contribute to the scientific design, testing and monitoring of nature-based and plant-based solutions, species selection for Mediterranean environments, assessment of plant physiological responses and ecosystem performance, as well as the development of pilot activities and transferable guidelines for resilient urban green areas.

We would be very interested in connecting with municipalities, public authorities, universities, research organisations and other partners developing proposals related to green infrastructure, nature-based solutions, biodiversity, climate-resilient urban landscapes and sustainable management of Mediterranean green areas.
We would be pleased to discuss potential synergies and opportunities for cooperation.
Kind regards,

Valentina Formica
University of Catania
Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment (Di3A)
Catania, Italy