Sant'Elia: shared orchard

Biodiversity (conservation and/or restoration), Social Justice and community

Creation of new green areas, Creation of any other green urban spaces, Coastal landscape management or protection, Coastal ecosystems restoration and maintenance (mangroves, dunes, saltplains, underwater meadows), Ecological restoration of ecosystems, Soil remediation and revegetation, Remediation activities of sites with very poor environmental quality, Transformation of previously derelict areas, Transformation of vacant land into green spaces

To requalify an area traditionally known for its negative reputation by transforming unused space into a green area, promoting a positive shift in the neighborhood's image and enhancing both aesthetic appeal and social cohesion. To create a 2,600 square meter orchard that offers residents access to a shared space, encouraging community interaction and fostering a sense of belonging. To increase accessibility to common resources, such as fruit and olive trees, which contribute to local biodiversity, while providing citizens with access to green spaces that promote shared responsibility and communal ownership. To improve residents' quality of life by making the neighborhood more welcoming and inclusive and integrating walking paths, seating areas, and improved landscaping (Refs. 1, 2, 3 & 4).

The project began with site preparation, where the land was cleared and shaped to accommodate the various sections, including the olive grove, orchard, and grassy areas, with pathways planned for pedestrian access. Next, olive trees, fruit trees such as citrus, pomegranate, quince, and figs, along with Mediterranean shrubs and rosemary bushes, were planted across different parts of the park (25 windbreak olive trees, 12 Washingtonia palms, 11 St. Peter's palms and, in the orchard, 28 citrus, pomegranate, quince and fig trees have been planted. Hedges of Mediterranean scrub have been created with mastic trees, phillyrea, holm oaks and rosemary). The roundabout at Piazza Giovanni da Verrazzano was landscaped with a central lawn, palm trees, and flowering plants like roses and Agapanthus. Infrastructure was then installed, with stabilized gravel pathways laid out to ensure accessibility throughout the park. Benches in Liberty style were placed in a small square, and an efficient drip irrigation system was implemented to water the plants, while sub-irrigation was used for the grassy areas. Finally, signage was added to provide guidelines for the responsible harvesting of fruit, emphasizing the shared nature of the resources. Additional signs honored local figures, including tenor Piero Schiavazzi and Samuele Utzeri, a young corporal from the neighborhood (Refs. 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5).

• Citizens or community groups