Italian forests growing, but climate change is a threat

"Integrating the protection of biodiversity with innovation in the building sector, promoting the use of Italian wood as a key solution for decarbonisation and the development of a circular bio-economy model, is a goal on which we must work in a constant and shared manner," said Claudio Giust, president of Assolegno, as well as of Afi. The patronage of the Ministry of the Environment and Energy Security and the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty and Forestry is an incentive to continue our work alongside the institutions with which we share the idea that the use of Italian wood can be a strategic solution precisely for the ecological transition and decarbonisation of construction".

But wood is also a great economic resource. And while in Italy for years there have been discussions and attempts to rebuild an industrial chain linked to forests that generates wealth and employment, as well as enhancing the value of the forest resource, FederlegnoArredo has also signed agreements with emerging countries (specifically Vietnam and, recently, the Ivory Coast) to start collaborations on the professional training of wood operators in those countries, with the prospect of then developing contacts and agreements of a commercial nature as well.

"Initiatives such as 'Forest Day' are extremely important to bring attention to this precious resource," reiterates Alessandra Stefani, president of Cluster Italia Foresta Legno. "The balance between felling and removal of trees in our country is in surplus both in terms of extension, with an average of 60 thousand hectares more each year, and in terms of volume, as confirmed by forest inventories, except in the areas affected by storm Vaia in and by bark beetles.

Two phenomena that show how Italian forests are also affected by climate change. "Wind and insect damage are 'disturbances' that have always characterised forests, but which have also always allowed them to regenerate," Stefani explains. "However, the extension of this double phenomenon is a sign that we have a serious problem linked to the climate crisis.

However, Italy's forest heritage is substantial: 'Therefore, in the city and on the plains we must intervene by planting as many new trees as possible, while in the forests we must work by studying the vocations of these woods: some deserve to be left to evolve and grow spontaneously, others must instead be protected, because they contain rare species or habitats. Others, finally, can be economically valorised, respecting established criteria and laws, in order to provide products that are the basis of the circular bio-economy,' adds the Cluster president.