In the historic setting of the Scuola Grande di San Giovanni Evangelista, the conference “A Forest in Venice, a Message Between Earth and Sky” was held on May 23 as a side event of the Sustainability Biennale 2025, promoted by the Forest in Venice Committee and supported by VSF.
The conference provided a platform for dialogue between science, nature, and culture – a debate focused on rethinking urban sustainability dynamics in light of climate change and the imperative for innovative solutions. Venice’s unique historical and cultural heritage strongly emerged as an ideal experimental laboratory for sustainability, where progress and innovation converge with landscape preservation and environmental protection.
The "Forest in Venice" project took center stage throughout the event. The initiative envisions a green itinerary connecting the city's monumental gardens, planted with ancient trees and rare species to create a visual and sensory journey enriched by historical storytelling and ties to Venice’s artistic and cultural events. Each tree stands as a symbol of resilience and hope for future generations.
The gathering featured distinguished guests, including Professor Dava Newman (MIT Media Lab, former NASA Deputy Administrator), astronaut Paolo Nespoli, philosopher Emanuele Coccia, and numerous institutional representatives who convened to address the future of the planet and the relationship between humanity and the environment. Silvia Oliva, VSF Thematic Areas Coordinator, delivered opening remarks on behalf of VSF.
The event also brought together representatives from organizations such as UNESCO, Iuav University of Venice, Istat, IVSLA – Istituto Veneto di Scienze, Lettere ed Arti, Fondazione Industria e Cultura – Confindustria, Woman20, Assofloro, EarthDNA, Alma Mater Studiorum – University of Bologna, NABA, CINECA, Skal International, and Regione del Veneto.
