Terrapreta at the NICOLE Spring Workshop in Bagnoli

Remediation first, regeneration later is still the logic behind many brownfield projects. But in the face of today’s urban and environmental challenges, this sequential approach is no longer enough.

At the recent NICOLE Spring Workshop in Bagnoli, dedicated to the Strategic Revitalisation of Megasites, Terrapreta contributed to a key discussion on a more integrated model: one in which end use drives remediation, rather than being considered only after site clean-up is complete.

During the technical session, “How end use defines redevelopment strategies,” we presented, together with Tatiana Stella, CEO of M3R – Monitoring and Management of Microbial Resources, our ongoing work on the innovative regeneration of La Goccia in Milan.

The workshop provided an important opportunity to share the multidisciplinary approach developed through the Osservatorio La Goccia partnership, and to highlight a few central insights.

First, Nature-based Solutions are not only sustainable, but also highly cost-effective tools for the remediation of contaminated sites. When designed well, they can improve environmental performance while supporting long-term urban value.

Second, early integration matters. Transforming a brownfield into a new public space, such as a forest-remediation park, requires environmental recovery and urban design to be conceived together from the outset.

Third, regeneration and remediation should not be treated as separate processes. When soil recovery and future public use are planned in parallel, new scenarios emerge for the large-scale revitalisation of contaminated land across Europe.

We are also proud to announce that Terrapreta has officially joined the NICOLE network. For us, this is an important step in strengthening dialogue at the European level around sustainable remediation, soil management, and regenerative approaches to land recovery.

Find out more about the project:

• EUI La Goccia
• Osservatorio La Goccia