In collaboration with Barcelona’s Parcs i Jardins (a municipal institute of the City Council), which is already highly committed to adopting solutions that promote biodiversity in urban areas, Fondazione Capellino has launched a project to combat extreme drought in cities. This initiative focuses on introducing exotic plant species that are more resilient to severe climate conditions.

The project, which began in 2025 and will span four years, will focus on five urban areas with varying levels of environmental pressure. Resilient tree species, such as Zelkova serrata and Pistacia chinensis, will be tested to identify the most suitable solutions for challenging climatic conditions.

With support from Parcs i Jardins and collaboration with research institutes such as CREAF (Catalan) and CNR (Italian), these species will be evaluated in different urban settings to ensure scientifically validated conclusions. Various parameters will be monitored, including irrigation needs, soil quality, plant health, and the urban microclimate. The aim is to build a comprehensive scientific database to inform planting decisions, promote a more resilient urban environment, and enhance citizens’ quality of life. The project adopts a multivariable approach, similar to the successful model already implemented in Florence.

Barcelona, already a leader in adopting biodiversity-focused urban solutions, provides an ideal context for piloting this replicable scientific approach to tackling the climate crisis. The future of our cities relies on making thoughtful, data-driven decisions that address the realities of a changing climate.