National Tree Day 2023

The National Tree Day is a national holiday that is celebrated on 21 November each year. The aim is to highlight the importance of the tree heritage and to remember the fundamental role that forests and forests play in the conservation of the world and of all living species, including human beings. A day that includes numerous initiatives aimed at redeveloping urban greenery and enhancing public spaces. As reported by the Masaf "in Italy, woodlands cover over 11 million hectares of land, equal to 36.7 per cent of the national territory, for a total of over 12 billion trees, or 200 trees for each citizen." According to the Soil Consumption Research Centre however, every year in Italy at least 500 hectares of forest areas are covered by concrete. An alarming figure that, on this National Day, makes us reflect even more on the crucial importance of trees for our ecosystem.

The first 'Tree Festival' was celebrated in Italy in 1898 and was introduced by the then Minister of Education, Guido Baccelli. In the Forest Law of 1923, the 'Tree Festival' was institutionalised in Art. 104: 'a tree festival is instituted, it shall be celebrated every year in the form to be established by agreement between the Ministers of National Economy and Public Education'. In 1951, through a circular of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, the date of the National Tree Day was established, namely 21 November. The goal remains unchanged today: educating the new generations about the importance of trees and nature. Despite dating back more than a century, National Tree Day is a very current event. Indeed, it offers everyone, especially young people, the opportunity to actively contribute to the protection of the tree heritage, which is essential for the well-being of the community.

Nectariferous trees are crucial for ensuring nourishment for pollinating insects and bring with them a number of benefits. Firstly, they contribute to the regeneration of natural habitats in the country, counteracting the loss caused by the expansion of intensive cultivation and urbanisation. In addition, they favour the improvement of soil structure and composition and create new refuges and feeding sites for wildlife, especially wild pollinators. Nectariferous trees also contribute to the reduction of the so-called heat island phenomenon, which results in a warmer microclimate within urban city areas, compared to surrounding suburban and rural areas. Finally, they improve air quality due to the absorption of CO2.

Through the monitoring and analysis of honey bee data, 3Bee gained awareness of the importance of taking additional actions to protect not only bees, but all pollinators. The severe reduction of habitats, together with the negative effects of climatic events such as late frosts and drought, causes pollinators an increasing difficulty in finding sufficient nutrient supplies. For these reasons, 3Bee decided to maximise the conservation effect through the planting of nectariferous forests within the Oases of Biodiversity. Nectariferous Woodlands consist of a minimum of three native species, which are planted by professional growers and previous soil screening with Flora. This screening is an essential part of the initiative, which allows for the creation of pastures with scalaric blooms so that pollinators can find nourishment in all seasons in which they are active.

The nectariferous trees that make up 3Bee's Oases of Biodiversity are forest species, an important feature to favour the natural restoration of habitats, as forest plants are more resistant and allow for improved soil structure. No less important, these forests allow storing CO2 in woody tissues and contribute to the fight against climate change. But what are 3Bee's Biodiversity Oases? They are urban and agroforestry habitats recreated in areas of low biodiversity. Physical and digital places where technology and nature come together, with the aim of regenerating biodiversity and taking a first step towards climate resilience. On the occasion of National Tree Day, our commitment goes further: we create nectar forests to take a decisive step towards a future in which trees will be the protagonists of our planet's health.