The Joint Conference of ANCI (Associazione Nazionale Comuni Italiani) passed the Decree implementing the Climate Law, regulating the methods for designing the measures and the resources allotment for the funding by the experimental programme for the creation of urban and semi-urban forests in Metropolitan Cities. This concludes the iter of approval of the implementing decree, which intends to organize the reforestation process in big cities. Now it’s up to Metropolitan Cities to take action in order to quickly start the realization of their reforestation projects. A funding of 30 million euros (15 in 2020 and the same in 2021) is available for the municipalities of the Metropolitan Cities that are subject to Community infringement, because of the limits overrun related to nitrogen dioxide emission and PM10 daily values. The Ministry has already published the list of the municipalities belonging to the areas that are subject at least to one of the infringement procedures in relation to air quality.

The grant ceiling for each project presented by the Metropolitan Cities is 500 thousand euros and, among the eligibility requirements, it is expected the commitment of ensuring a maintenance plan for a period of at least 7 years and the eventual new planting of trees that have not taken root before.

“We know that the fight against climate change requires concrete actions and we are finally putting this instrument in place - the Environment Minister Sergio Costa said – which stimulates concrete projects that improve air quality in the Metropolitan Cities, by absorbing carbon dioxide and by increasing, at the same time,  beauty and quality of life”.

Within 120 days after the signing of the decree, Metropolitan Cities can submit their projects which will be verified and validated by the Environment Ministry within 90 days. In a note, the ministry informs that the projects will receive – as an advance – the 20% of the amount applicable. This sum will be paid following the communication at the start of work. A further part, equal to 50% of the total amount, will be transferred to the Metropolitan Cities at the moment of the progress presentation, which will certify the completion of at least half of the financed action. Finally, the remaining 30% will be paid at the presentation of the certificate of regular execution and testing document, with accounting, billing, photographic documentation and copy of plant species’ certificates of origin attached.