Technical-scientific collaboration between the Botanical Garden and the 37th Wing of the Italian Air Force

 A new technical-scientific collaboration project to promote the environmental heritage of the Italian Air Force's 37th Wing

On the occasion of European Researchers' Night 2025, at the Historical Museum of Engines and Mechanisms of the University of Palermo, in the presence of the Rector, Prof. Massimo Midiri, the President of the University Museum System, Prof. Michelangelo Gruttadauria, and the Commander of the 37th Wing of the Italian Air Force, Col. Daniele Mastroberti, a collaboration project between the Botanical Garden and the 37th Wing of the Italian Air Force stationed in Birgi (TP) was officially signed.

The project is part of a broader institutional cooperation agreement already in place between the University Museum System and the Italian Air Force, initiated by the Museum of Engines and aimed at promoting the historical and aeronautical heritage. Recognising a strong convergence of intentions, the two bodies have decided to extend their collaboration to the environmental heritage of the 37th Wing, promoting technical and scientific activities aimed at the redevelopment of green spaces and uncultivated areas.

This is the context for the new synergy between the 37th Wing and the Botanical Garden of the University Museum System, which, with its 230 years of history and academic vocation, operates in the field of flora and vegetation. The project aims to improve the liveability of the spaces within the above-mentioned Department through technical and scientific consultancy for the restoration and enhancement of green areas and other mostly uncultivated areas. The planned activities respond to shared objectives: the protection of the State's environmental heritage and the dissemination of cultural and scientific activities for the Botanical Garden, as part of the University's Third Mission.

The project managers will be Prof. Rosario Schicchi, director of the Botanical Garden, for the scientific aspect, and Natale Surano, landscape architect, head of the Infrastructure and Landscape Management Unit, for the technical part.

The project involves the study and planning of environmental and landscape protection measures, with particular attention to the regeneration of flora and the enhancement of the open spaces of the 37th Wing. In particular, taking into account the territorial context of Trapani-Birgi Airport, a census of the plant species present will be carried out, with the aim of proposing solutions to make some non-operational areas more compatible with the surrounding environment, more liveable and low-maintenance. The project will consist of study, census, restoration and design of green areas, with a view to sustainable management in the medium and long term.