In an effort to enhance the natural heritage of the Medici Park of Pratolino, Fastweb+Vodafone has launched, in collaboration with the Metropolitan City of Florence, a major environmental restoration project covering a 10,000 sqm area adjacent to the Upper Lake. The initiative is part of Mosaico Verde, the national campaign for the reforestation of urban and non-urban areas, ecosystem recovery, and environmental regeneration, conceived and promoted by AzzeroCO2 in partnership with Legambiente.
The project focused on restoring the lakeshore area to improve its accessibility and boost local biodiversity. Invasive shrubs, overgrown bushes, and non-viable plants were removed, and 400 native plants were introduced, including shrubs, trees, and aquatic species such as holm oak, Turkey oak, viburnum, lily, and buttercup.
To make the lake more accessible and enjoyable, a 200-meter walking path was created to allow visitors to immerse themselves in the beauty of the landscape. Five wooden palisades were also built to offer safe access to the water’s edge and provide scenic viewpoints. Additionally, three observation points were set up, ideal for birdwatching and monitoring local wildlife. These areas, equipped with removable wooden panels, are also designed to host educational workshops involving schools, families, and nature enthusiasts. With these structures, the project goes beyond conservation, offering opportunities to raise awareness on the importance of environmental protection and fostering a deeper connection with the local area.
The work in the Medici Park of Pratolino is part of the broader environmental commitment of Fastweb+Vodafone. In 2021, the company joined the Mosaico Verde campaign, committing to plant 15,000 trees in Milan, Rome, Bari, Catania, Turin, Pomigliano D’Arco (Naples), Pescara, Cagliari, and Mola di Bari (Bari). For 2024–2025, Fastweb+Vodafone has expanded its commitment by supporting a new range of initiatives under the same campaign, focusing on the restoration of forests and sites of historical and environmental significance across Italy. Following completed projects in the Beigua Regional Natural Park (Genoa), in the municipality of Tuglie (Lecce), and now in the Metropolitan City of Florence, work will continue in the municipality of Cuglieri (Oristano).
“A meaningful project that highlights the importance of acting together on environmental issues,” said Carlo Boni, Councillor for Environment and Parks of the Metropolitan City of Florence. “We need a cultural shift and greater awareness if we want to address global warming, and this can only happen through a shared vision. I thank AzzeroCO2 and Fastweb+Vodafone for this project, which is part of Mosaico Verde, the national campaign for urban and rural forestation and forest protection also promoted with Legambiente. I also thank all those who supported this initiative in our beautiful Medici Park of Pratolino, which has resulted in a substantial green restoration aimed at increasing biodiversity and making the park more accessible.”
“This project marks another important step in Fastweb+Vodafone’s commitment to environmental protection and enhancing our local territories. The restoration at the Medici Park of Pratolino not only contributes to the regeneration of an ecologically valuable area but also creates new opportunities for community engagement, raising awareness about sustainability. We are proud to work alongside the Metropolitan City of Florence and AzzeroCO2, strengthening our role in the Mosaico Verde campaign, with the goal of protecting and improving our ecosystems for future generations,” said Anna Lo Iacono, Head of Sustainability at Fastweb.
“Projects like the one in the Medici Park of Pratolino, carried out in partnership with Fastweb+Vodafone and the Metropolitan City of Florence, are a concrete example of the importance of preserving and enhancing ecosystems—not only to protect biodiversity but also to ensure that future generations can enjoy restored natural spaces rich in cultural and environmental value. This is a true act of responsibility toward our territory and its extraordinary richness,” said Alessandro Martella, General Director of AzzeroCO2. “This initiative is part of the European project LIFE Terra, in which Legambiente is the sole Italian partner and which we actively support. It is a tangible demonstration of how collaboration among different stakeholders can help restore value to our landscapes and offer citizens spaces to reconnect with nature.”