In Italy, forests cover 12 million hectares, equivalent to 40% of the national territory, with a significant increase compared to previous decades. Italian forests are mainly located in hilly and mountainous areas, characterised by considerable fragmentation. The MASAF (Ministry of Agriculture, Food Sovreignty and Forests) has divided Italian wooded areas into 19 ecoregions to facilitate reforestation with native species. The composition of Italian forests is highly diversified, with 117 tree species. However, these ecosystems are threatened by fires, pathogens, and climate change.
Italian forest policies, historically conservationist, aim to protect and sustainably manage the country’s forests. The Serpieri Law of 1923 and other regulations ensure the protection of forests, which are among the most protected in Europe. However, the Italian wood industry largely depends on foreign imports due to fragmented ownership and strict regulations. The essay, starting with a description of Italian forests, provides a comprehensive overview of national forest policies up to the publication of the National Forestry Strategy in 2022, which outlines a long-term vision for the sustainable development of the sector and the enhancement of ecosystem services. It involves various stakeholders, from institutions to citizens, and promotes professional training and the responsible use of forest resources, integrating energy policies and a circular bioeconomy.
