Collegio Borromeo, Italy

The pedagogical power of nature

The Almo Collegio Borromeo (ACB) is the oldest College of Merit in Italy: founded in 1561 by Saint Charles Borromeo, it was established with the intention – which it still pursues today - of offering particularly deserving students, without financial means, the opportunity to study at the University of Pavia. The students share the College’s values and believe nature, as well as beauty, hold a pedagogical power.

The project “Horti” of the ACB was born from a student-led campaign, asking the College to transform the area - once dedicated to cultivation of fruits and vegetables for the College's students - into a public space where the natural ecosystem can thrive. Horti is a 35,000 square metre area, the largest park in the city centre of Pavia, which was inaugurated in September 2022. Today the natural habitat has been restored: 85 plant species have been planted and the animal diversity has increased as, among others, the white stork and Eurasian crane inhabit the park.

What the Judges Thought

We think this is a really impactful project. Although the college and land area are small, benefits to biodiversity, students, gardening staff (from particular marginalised communities) and the general public are significant.

What it Means to Win

“Our pedagogical responsibility - the desire for human regeneration, taking care of others - necessarily goes hand-in-hand with taking care of the environment itself. The beauty of nature can teach us this important and difficult balance.”

Alberto Lolli, Provost

Top 3 Learnings

1. Education institutions must support students establish the change they wish to see.
2. The best place to teach the importance of biodiversity is the outdoors.
3. Colleges bear responsibility of using their land to have a positive impact on the environment.