The 2024 Forestami Academy aims to educate citizens on the importance of urban forestry, with a particular focus on the correlation between nature and physical and mental health and well-being.Led by Maria Chiara Pastore, associate professor at the Politecnico University in Milan, and featuring leading national and international experts in greenery and forestry, the Forestami Academy offers a three-year program of meetings, seminars, and workshops.

Building upon the success of its inaugural year, which centered around the theme ‘Knowing forests and where they grow’, the second year of the Forestami Academy will delve deeper into the role of urban forests in enhancing well-being. The program will include classroom sessions at Triennale Milano, featuring interactive tools and discussions led by experts.Additionally, the Academy will offer an outdoor lesson and “Forest Bathing” experience, providing participants with a hands-on opportunity to explore the benefits of connecting with nature.“The importance of greenery and its benefits to people’s well-being is a subject dear to the Prada Group as demonstrated by our ‘garden-factory’ architectural projects, in which nature is the key element,” said Lorenzo Bertelli, Prada Group head of corporate social responsibility. “The cultural challenge of the second year will be to understand the impact – supported by scientific evidence – that trees have on quality of life for all of us, both from an emotional and physical perspective. People’s health also depends on knowing what can benefit their well-being. The group will work alongside the Academy on this journey of discovery.”