21 March is the International Day of Forests, an important occasion to reflect on the management and use of forests in Italy. This anniversary is an opportunity to raise public awareness and highlight the importance of forests for the environment, the economy and society. Italy's forest heritage is extensive and diverse, but unfortunately not always sufficiently appreciated.
Italy is a country rich in forests, with breathtaking landscapes stretching from the Alps to the Mediterranean. However, this extraordinary natural heritage is not always managed in a way that maximises its potential benefits. There are paradoxes and significant delays in the exploitation of Italy's forest resources. For example, although Italy has abundant wood resources, only 20% of the wood harvested nationally is actually used. This is despite the fact that 80% of the national demand for wood is met by imports from abroad.
The phenomenon of massive wood imports not only penalises the Italian timber industry, but also hampers global efforts to combat deforestation and the illegal timber trade. Italy's forest resources have the potential to contribute to a more sustainable forest economy, reducing dependence on imports and supporting the fight against unsustainable practices worldwide.
One of the most critical aspects of the Italian forest landscape is forest management. Currently, only 18% of Italian forests are subject to an active management plan. These plans should ensure compliance with environmental, social and economic requirements, but their implementation is still inadequate. The lack of adequate management plans poses significant risks to the forest ecosystem and severely limits the potential of Italian forests.
In addition, the rate of forest certification in Italy is extremely low, with only 10% of forests being certified. Forest certification is essential to guarantee the sustainability of forest management, ensuring compliance with strict standards in terms of environmental protection and social and economic contribution. Without a significant increase in certification, the opportunities for sustainable forest management will remain limited.
In 2023, the need for improvement in the construction sector and other sectors closely linked to forest management is abundantly clear. Only by strengthening management, planning and control practices can we ensure a greener and more sustainable future. It is essential that we develop more effective strategies that can support local economies and preserve our precious natural heritage.
