Petition Launches for Rome's Green Ring Road Transformation

A petition with 7,500 signatures has been submitted to Rome's mayor Roberto Gualtieri, infrastructure minister Enrico Giovannini, and ecological transition minister Roberto Cingolani, urging adoption of the Tangenziale Verde (Green Ring Road) pilot project. Initiated in 2011 by architect Nathalie Grenon of Sartogo Architetti Associati, the project reimagines Rome's elevated Tangenziale Est as a green infrastructure rather than a mobility one. The plan involves nearly 30 experts, about 20 associations including Coltiviamo la Città and RES Ricerca Educazione Scienza, six universities (La Sapienza, Roma Tre, Tor Vergata, Tuscia, Salerno, Molise), and seven research centers (CNR, ENEA, CREA, ISPRA, ARSTAL, ESA, ISS). Inspired by New York's High Line but rooted in local history, the project proposes converting the 2-kilometer, 4-hectare elevated roadway into a public park with community gardens, orchards, vineyards, sports facilities, a skatepark, a market, and rainwater irrigation. It also includes covered parking, bike lanes, and energy self-sufficiency measures. The project has gained support from a network of associations, experts, politicians, artists, and citizens over the past decade, during which Rome has had four mayors. The petition aims to move from consensus to action, especially given Rome's candidacy for Expo 2030. Mayor Gualtieri's statements in Dubai about green regeneration align with the project's goals. The online mobilization is ongoing.