The protective functions of Italian forests

1998

4 Tab., 9 Lit. Ang.

Unselbständiges Werk

10347

200066939

According to 1923 forest act, 95% of the Italian forests give an important contribution to stability of slopes and flood regulation and protect roads, railways, buildings, crops and other forests. However, the 1985 National Forest Inventory showed that only 4,5% of forests have a prevailing heteroprotective function because this role is generally subordinate to the productive function. Currently, wood production, particularly in mountainous areas, is no longer the most important function whereas the concept of protective forest has been extended during the last decades to include the protection of several ecological, social and economic values. The safeguard of protective functions needs a silviculture more respectful towards natural structures and dynamics of forest stands. Healthy forests are important for the quality of life particular to the Italian rural environment and its socioeconomic development.