What is FARClimate?
On Thursday, July 11, Turin hosted the event “Progetto FARClimate: l’Orto che vorrei” organized by Green Growth Generation.
At the Orto Boschetto in Via Petrella, an intense and participatory day took place. A ‘historic’ day in its own way, which officially kicked off the work of FARClimate. Funded by the European Union’s Horizon program, this project aims to implement innovative solutions for climate resilience in 20 European communities, finding in our initiative a first concrete realization.
Through an interdisciplinary approach involving municipalities, companies, universities, and local communities, FARClimate’s goal is to achieve sustainable and affordable solutions in the forestry, fisheries, and agriculture sectors, all especially vulnerable to the effects of climate change.
Community Gardens at the center
Urban gardens, as a form of small-scale agriculture, enable citizens to grow fresh, zero-mile produce, reducing the environmental impact of transportation of goods and contributing to a decrease in CO2 emissions. These green spaces offer a concrete response to the challenges of urbanization and climate change, improving air quality and fostering urban biodiversity.
But not only: urban gardens can also become authentic centers of social and cultural gathering, enriched by events, exhibitions and talks that enliven neighborhood life. Places that enable people to share knowledge, experiences and strengthen community ties. This is the goal of Green Growth Generation, and one that in the coming months will involve four community gardens in the Aurora and Barriera di Milano neighborhoods in Turin: Orto Boschetto, Orto Lidl, Fattoria del Bunker and St’Orto Urbano.
Meeting with the Communities
“Progetto FARClimate: l’Orto che vorrei” represents a first step toward this goal. Attendance by representatives of other local associations ReTe ONG (Orto Boschetto and Orto Lidl), Fiësca Verd (Bunker Farm) and Fuori di Palazzo (St’Orto Urbano) was crucial in understanding the needs and requirements of each place.
Many ideas and proposals emerged during the meeting to improve and enhance these green spaces. Discussions touched on issues such as inclusivity, active participation of residents, organizing educational workshops for schools and families, and promoting sustainable agricultural practices. The aim is to bring people of different ages, cultures, and backgrounds together.
These gardens are not just growing spaces, but true open-air laboratories where new forms of sociality are experimented and more cohesive and resilient communities are built. Through the sharing of experiences and knowledge, urban gardens become places of collective learning and growth, where each individual can contribute to the common welfare.
The enthusiasm and energy generated during the meeting testify to the potential of this project in the social fabric of the neighborhoods involved. Green Growth Generation will continue to work with associations and residents to turn this vision into reality, starting already in September, with important new initiatives to be unveiled in the coming weeks.
Special thanks go to Panacea Social Farm for the pizza doughs, Cristina Perino for the aperitivo, Forno Spiga and all the Boschetto gardeners for the warm welcome. Thank you to everyone present for making this an unforgettable day.
By
Alessandro Bertozzi
