There is growing concern over the management of urban green spaces in Italy. Lipu has reported widespread, non-selective tree cutting and pruning in several cities, including Sanremo, Treviso, Venice, Rome, and Palermo.
According to the association, many of these interventions have taken place during the peak nesting season for wild birds, which runs from March to August, resulting in the destruction of active nests and natural habitats.
Appeal to the Government and Forest Police
In response, Lipu has appealed directly to the Minister for the Environment, Gilberto Pichetto Fratin, and to the Carabinieri forestali, calling for urgent action and enforcement of environmental regulations.
The organization points to potential violations of national wildlife protection laws, minimum environmental criteria for public green spaces, and European regulations on nature restoration.
“Improper interventions without expertise”
Marco Dinetti, head of Urban Ecology at Lipu, highlighted concerns about poor practices:
questionable assessments, superficial nest checks, and unqualified personnel are contributing to a serious loss of urban tree cover.
Urban trees, the association stresses, are not just decorative elements but provide essential functions:
- reducing air pollution
- mitigating urban heat
- offering shelter for wildlife
Safety concerns or excessive cutting?
Many interventions are justified on safety grounds. However, according to Lipu, most situations would require only targeted pruning of dangerous branches, rather than extensive and indiscriminate cutting.
Such practices risk damaging not only biodiversity but also vital ecosystem services that support public health.
Call for an immediate halt to non-urgent work
Lipu president Alessandro Polinori described the situation as widespread and urgent, requiring a coordinated national response.
The association is calling for:
- stricter controls
- full compliance with environmental laws
- an immediate suspension of non-urgent tree cutting until August
The aim is to protect the sensitive breeding period and promote more sustainable urban green management.