BioClima: public-private funding for nature conservation in Lombardy

BioClima is a Lombardy regional initiative funded by the EU LIFE GESTIRE 2020 project and Fondazione Cariplo, supporting biodiversity conservation and climate resilience in protected areas and Natura 2000 sites. It mobilises €5.6 million through a public-private financing model, with €3.5 million in regional grants and €1.5 million in private co-financing, requiring a 30% private contribution. Twelve projects target 16 priority habitats and 22 species, delivering over 300 hectares of forest improvement, 27 hectares of targeted biodiversity actions, and 66,000 trees planted through reforestation and undergrowth restoration. Technical support from Ettifor ensures alignment with international standards, including FSC ecosystem services procedures, for verifying carbon stock restoration and biodiversity outcomes. The initiative includes training for over 150 people in sustainable forest management and ecosystem service verification, alongside 20+ field events and 100 media mentions, demonstrating a scalable model for nature-based solutions.