Summary
Sponge Scapes case study 12 IT
Bosco Limite is a reforestation research project launched in 2013 by Etifor and a private landowner in the Po Valley (Italy) upstream of a groundwater abstraction area for Venice, Vicenza and other towns. The project transformed a former maize field into a multifunctional lowland forest which provides a wide range of goods and services, such as groundwater recharge, CO2 fixation, biodiversity safeguard, production of high quality wood and biomass for energetic purposes, and recreational-touristic services.
The project was implemented in an area previously used for intensive agriculture with high economic returns. Therefore, the main challenge of the project was to find alternative sources of income for landowners who made their land available for reforestation. The establishment of PES schemes for a variety of services (water provision, carbon sequestration, production of wood and biomass for energetic purposes, biodiversity safeguard and environmental education including recreational-touristic services) was key for the success of the project.
On its initial 2.5 hectares, Bosco Limite now hosts more than 2,300 trees belonging to native lowland forest species, as well as over 20 animal species including hares, roe deer, birds, and pollinators.
It is the largest Infiltration Forest Area (AFI) in Veneto, where a system of canals stretching over 1 km enables more than 1 million m³ of water per year to seep into the soil and recharge the aquifer. Tree roots and soil microorganisms naturally purify the water, improving quality before it reaches the aqueduct.
Over the years, the forest has faced challenges such as droughts and a tornado in 2021. To strengthen its resilience, between 2024 and 2026, species more tolerant of dry conditions like new English oaks, sessile oaks, and hornbeams are being planted, along with extraordinary maintenance of canals and vegetation.
In 2025, the Laghi di Bosco Limite expansion added another 2.5 hectares, featuring:
- an infiltration basin capable of recharging up to 645,000 m³ of water per year;
- a multifunctional wetland to enhance biodiversity, improve water quality, and serve as an emergency irrigation reserve;
- the planting of 1,400 native trees and shrubs, together with hedgerows, flowering meadows, and vegetated strips;
- light recreational infrastructure such as trails, rest areas, observation points, and educational paths.
This expansion transforms Bosco Limite into an even richer landscape, combining ecological restoration with public access and educational opportunities.
Photo gallery
Overview
The forest of Bosco Limite is based on a hydraulic system, made of canals and wells, whose function is to infiltrate water into the gravelly soil in situations of water “surplus” (i.e., high meteorological input or low irrigation demand). Given the favourable location of the area, the average water storage capacity of Bosco Limite is estimated to be about 1 million m3/ha/year, and it influences groundwater level in an area of 10 km radius.
- Promote water conservation by saving, approximately, 12,000 m3 of water per year, also improving adaptation to droughts and water scarcity impacts of climate change;
- Increase the biodiversity by encouraging the settlement of autochthonous plants and animals of the region;
- Protect the landscape by introducing a new oak-hornbeam forest, which is typical of the Po Valley, re-establishing an historic landscape that has almost disappeared;
- Capture 50 t of carbon dioxide per year in 30 years;
- Introduce a new source of renewable energy provided by wood biomass for domestic use;
- Improve the area by restoring its natural value and offering environmental education initiatives to schools and local associations; and
- Improve the quality of life for the local population through the creation of new green areas.
| Authority type | Authority name | Authority role | Comments | Authority responsibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Research institute / University | Etifor | Initiation of the measure | Etifor is a spin-off company of the University of Padova, Italy | Responsible |
| Private property owners | — | Other | — | Supporting |
| Other | Municipality of Carmignano di Brenta | Other | — | Responsible |
| Local water authority | Consiglio di Bacino Brenta | Monitoring | — | Responsible |
| Other | Veneto Agricoltura | Other | Veneto Agency for Innovation in the Primary Sector, an executive body of the Veneto Region | Supporting |
| Local water authority | Veneto acque | — | — | Supporting |
| Other | Consorzio di Bonifica Brenta | Other | Consorzio di Bonifica Brenta | Supporting |
Site Information
Design and Implementation
Financing
Policy and Governance
| Name |
|---|
| the action is involved in the European founded LIFE+ project "Aquor" |
Impacts and Monitoring
Monitoring System
Through WOWnature, citizens and companies can take part in the care and expansion of Bosco Limite. All activities are certified according to the international FSC® standard, ensuring sustainable management and positive impacts on ecosystem services.
Data recorded: 2022-present (infiltration rates, soil parameters).
Impact Assessment Methodology
Socio-economic Impacts
Biophysical impacts: Hydrology
Biophysical impacts: Biodiversity
Biophysical impacts: Water & Soil Quality
Biophysical impacts: Others
Lessons Learned
| Driver type | Comments |
|---|---|
| Other | The site is located upstream of a captage area, where aqueducts abstract water for Venice, Vicenza and other towns: there is thus a demand for increased groundwater recharge and water purification. |
| Success factor type | Comments |
|---|---|
| Financing possibilities | Bosco Limite provides a wide range of good and services, such as groundwater recharge, CO2 fixation, biodiversity safeguard, production of high quality wood and biomass for energetic purposes, and recreational-touristic services. The measure was implemented in an area previously used for intensive agriculture, activities with high economic returns. Therefore, the main challenge of the project was to find alternative, competitive sources of income for landowners who made their land available for reforestation. The establishment of PES schemes for a variety of services (water provision, carbon sequestration, biodiversity and environmental education) was key for the success of the project. |