Last update
2026
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.
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.
Position
Latitude
45.66
Longitude
11.685
Project
SpongeScapes
National Id
Italy_03
Installation date
2012-12
Implementation Status
Contact
Etifor- etifor@etifor.com
RBD code
ITA
Transboundary
0
Photo gallery
Location of the project
Bosco Limite is located in the middle basin of the Brenta river, in the northwestern part of the Po valley (Veneto Region, Italy).
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.
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.
NUTS Code
ITH3 - Veneto
Project's objectives
Environmental and social objectives of the Forested Infiltration Area of Bosco Limite are:
- 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.
- 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.
Involved Partners
| Authority type | Authority name | Role | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|
Climate zone
warm temperate moist
Temperature
13
Precipitation
1000
Slope range
0-1%
Vegetation class
Permanent lowland forest
Project scale specification
Meso-scale
Performance timescale
> 20 years
Project area
2,5
Area specifications
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.
Area subject to Land use change or Management/Practice change (ha)
2,5
Size
2,5
Size unit
ha
Lifespan
30
Design capacity description
Information not available
Costs total information
An estimation could be made by calculating the total NPV of investment costs + yearly maintenance costs up to 2042 - However, the choice of a correct discount rate could be debated
Costs investment
24000
Costs investment information
The planting cost was of 24000 €, with a contribution of the 80% from LIFE+ funds.
Costs operation maintenance
2100
Costs operation maintenance information
estimation of the costs for the period 2012-2042
Economic costs, income loss
1749
Economic costs income loss unit
€/ha
Information on Economic costs - income loss
The area was previoulsly maize-cultivated, with a net gain of 4599 € in 2005-2010 period. Since the prevision for the net gains from the forest is of 2850, the loss of incomes is 1749 €/ha/year.
Policy context
The environmental problem that led to the implementation of project is represented by the fact that water reserves of Veneto High Plans hydrogeological system are decreasing slowly but progressively. (approximately -3,8 cm/year, which correspond in a diminution of 1,30 m in 35 years)
Land ownership
Private landowner
Community involvment
No
Design consultation activity
| Activity stage | Name | Key issues | Comments |
|---|
Policy target
| Target purpose |
|---|
|
Groundwater Recharge
|
|
Increase Water Storage
|
|
Improved Biodiversity
|
|
Oher Societal Benefits
|
Policy pressure
| Pressure directive | Relevant pressure |
|---|
Policy impact
| Impact directive | Relevant impact |
|---|
Requirement directive
| Requirement directive | Specification |
|---|
Contractual arrangements
0
| Arrangement type | Responsibility | Role | Name | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
the action is involved in the European founded LIFE+ project "Aquor"
|
Part of wider plan
0
Wider plan type
| Wider plan type | Wider plan focus | Name | Comments |
|---|
Etifor has supported Bosco Limite since its inception, providing scientific and technical consultancy for forest design and management. Today, they continue to oversee maintenance activities – from canal cleaning to enrichment planting – and to guide both the landowner and public/private partners in ensuring the long-term sustainability of the forest.
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).
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).
Unknown
Other co-benefits in terms of ecosystem services (certified with the FSC® standard) are provided by the area: carbon sequestration, biodiversity conservation, food production, soil maintenance, etc.
2850 euros in direct benefits
The expected benefits are of 2850 euros in the period 2012-2042, with a net loss of 1749 euros (compared to the previous maize cultivation).
It is estimated a positive impact from the constitution of the forest for the recreational and educational value of the forest and the local biodiversity, but there is no economic evaluation of the benefits.
Retained water
518,4
Retained water unit
m3/day
Information on retained water
Information not available
Information on increased water storage
Information not available
Information on runoff reduction
Information not available
Ecosystem erosion control impact unit
% reduction
Water quality overall improvements
N/A info
Soil quality overall soil improvements
N/A info
1
The constitution of a lowland forest provides habitat for 55 indigenous plant species, of which 15 tree species. Moreover, the forest constitutes habitat for at least 20 bird species.
Ecosystem impact climate regulation
Impact on GHGs (net emissions and storage) including soil carbon
Information on Ecosystem impact climate regulation
Bosco Limite will stock an average quantity of 50 tons of CO2 per year, the equivalent emission of 7 Italian citizens
Ecosystem provisioning services
1
Information on Ecosystem provisioning services
The forest will produce about 40 tons/year of firewood and in 30 years will provide high quality construction wood.
Key lessons
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. In addition, 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, and 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.
Success factor(s)
| Success factor type | Success factor role | Comments | Order |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Financing possibilities
|
<p>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.</p>
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Driver
| Driver type | Driver role | Comments | Order |
|---|---|---|---|
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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.
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1
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English