[Simona Aprile]

Dear Karim,

Thank you for sharing this interesting project concept.

We are in a similar position to yours, as CREA Research Centre for Plant Protection and Certification (CREA-DC), Palermo, Italy, is currently not in a position to act as Lead Partner. Nevertheless, we would be very interested in joining and contributing to the development of the proposal as a scientific partner.

CREA-DC has extensive experience in Mediterranean biodiversity, Nature-Based Solutions, climate adaptation and sustainable urban greening, with particular expertise in extensive green roofs under Mediterranean climatic conditions.

Over the past years, our team has developed significant research and demonstration activities on the use of Mediterranean plant species for green roofs, focusing on ecosystem services, biodiversity enhancement, urban heat mitigation, water-use efficiency and climate resilience.

In addition, CREA-DC operates dedicated experimental facilities for ex situ green roof research, as well as areas suitable for the implementation of pilot actions and demonstration activities. We can therefore contribute both scientific expertise and testing capacity to evaluate nature-based solutions aimed at mitigating Urban Heat Island effects.

Our team also has specific expertise in Healing Gardens and therapeutic landscapes, exploring the contribution of green infrastructures to human well-being, social inclusion and healthy urban environments.

We believe that our experience could complement the project very well, particularly regarding:

Mediterranean green roofs and blue-green infrastructure;
urban heat island mitigation strategies;
biodiversity-based Nature-Based Solutions;
ecosystem services assessment;
pilot testing and demonstration activities;
healing gardens and well-being-oriented green spaces.

We would be pleased to discuss potential synergies and possible roles within the consortium.

Kind regards,

Dr Simona Aprile
CREA Research Centre for Plant Protection and Certification (CREA-DC)
Palermo, Sicily, Italy
simona.aprile@crea.gov.it