by Nina Vaclavikova
Interview: Trieste councilor for territorial policies, Michele Babuder
The City of Trieste has completed the redevelopment of the parking area at the intersection of Via di Chiadino and Via de Marchesetti, on the edge of the popular Bosco Farneto park. The project, officially presented to the press on Friday morning, forms part of a national program aimed at adapting urban environments to the effects of climate change.
The initiative was introduced by Michele Babuder, Trieste’s Councillor for Territorial Policies, alongside municipal official Francesco Panepinto, who oversees interventions on green areas and tree management.
Funded with a contribution of approximately €780,000 from Italy’s Ministry of Environment and Energy Security (MASE), the work is part of a broader municipal strategy to mitigate the effects of climate change on the northeastern slope of Bosco Farneto. The project is designed to promote more sustainable management of water resources and urban spaces.
A key feature of the redevelopment is a new rainwater collection system with a capacity of 80 cubic meters. The collected water will be reused for irrigating public green areas and ornamental planters throughout the city, reducing reliance on potable water and limiting rainwater runoff into the sewage system and roadways.
“With this project, Trieste continues along the path of sustainable urban regeneration,” said Councillor Babuder. “The installation of a rainwater collection basin and new permeable paving shows how even a parking area can become an environmental infrastructure that provides tangible benefits — improving air quality, reducing the heat island effect, and enabling smarter water reuse.”
The work included the removal of old impermeable sandstone paving and its replacement with high solar-reflectivity, permeable surfaces that help dissipate heat and allow natural water drainage. The underground basin, built with HDPE modular tunnels, was surrounded by layers of drainage material and equipped with new channels to direct excess water toward the municipal sewer system.
The project, carried out by CP Costruzioni S.r.l., began on March 28, 2025, and was completed on October 1, 2025 — on schedule. Safety checks during excavation included a technical survey for unexploded ordnance, ensuring safe working conditions.
The renewed parking area blends with the natural surroundings of Bosco Farneto, one of Trieste’s most beloved recreational areas.
Councillor Babuder also provided updates on other works in the vicinity. “As part of the same funding package, the upper parking area near the MIB School of Management is nearing completion,” he said. “In addition to new paving and curbs, we’re planting trees to help combat urban heat islands.”
He announced that work will begin in November on upgrading the nearby playground, following suggestions from local residents and the San Luigi district committee. “We will replace all existing equipment and carry out significant maintenance of the play area,” he said.
