No Covid-19 Deaths & Tree Planting

No deaths from Coronavirus were reported in Florence and the whole of Tuscany on both June 20 and 21, 2020, the first time since March 7, and only two new cases of the infection were registered.  Since March 8, 1,095 residents of Tuscany lost their lives due to COVID-19; there are still 9,980 people currently suffering from the disease out of a total population of 2,700,000.

After months of loss, the city of Florence moves into a phase of mourning. In the wake of the devastation the pandemic has caused the city has already begun the planting of 403 trees, one for each victim who died from the virus. Nardella announced that citizens can donate or purchase a tree in memory of a loved one they lost. Although it remains unofficial, the Palazzo Vecchio is considering a large green space near the Trespiano cemetery for a new urban forest. Already oak, cherry, willow, and other species of trees are being selected; each will also have a dedication.

Thirty-six trees have also been planted in gardens across Florence including the Don Forconi and Carraia gardens, as well as those in San Felice a Ema, Via Nanchino, Via San Salvi, Via Pasquali, Via Pirandello, Via Isonzo, the Pettini Burresi area, Albereta Park, Argingrosso park and the park near Via del Mezzetta.

The city councilor for the environment councilor, Cecilia Del Re, presented the most recent tree plantings. She also curated the “Adopt a Tree” initiative (see article here), one that is expanding to include victims of Coronavirus, and which launched in time for the Tree Festival last November. Since then, almost 600 trees have been donated––out of 863 trees available for adoption. Due to the pandemic, these adopted trees are only now able to be planted. The remaining over 500 trees will be planted by the end of November 2020––just in time for the next Tree Festival.

This action springs from a growing concern for the environment and making Florence a greener city. If the pandemic has taught us anything, it is that the current environmental issues are central, explains mayor Nardella. In addition to the planting of these hundreds of trees, the city will continue to engage with sustainable urban development interventions and projects, including planting of 20,000 new trees, to improve the quality of life for citizens. 

The “Adopt a Tree”  program not only strides towards a greener Florence, but also directly engages people with this important initiative. In fact, councilor Del Re explains the project stirred great interest among Florentine citizens and beyond. Each dedication contains moving words to remember lost family members and friends. The initiative not only helps people grapple with the overwhelming feeling of loss, but also brings awareness to climate change. Each tree planted is a symbol of life, rebirth, and a new season.  (elizabeth berry)