In the year 2024, Italy witnessed a significant advancement in sustainable forest management, as evidenced by the record number of hectares certified under the Pefc Certification system. According to Pefc Italy's annual report, the total extent of certified forest land reached 1,061,059.26 hectares, marking an important turning point for the responsible management of the country's natural resources.
Compared with the previous year, there was an 8.2 percent increase in Pefc Certified Forest Area in 2024. This increase reflects the growing commitment to sustainability in forest resource management, an essential step in mitigating the effects of climate change and preserving biodiversity. Pefc certification is a key recognition, indicating that forest management practices are characterized by environmental, social and economic responsibility.
Italian regions that have distinguished themselves in this context are Trentino Alto Adige, Friuli-Venezia Giulia and Piedmont, which hold the largest areas of certified forests. These regions demonstrate how economic development can be reconciled with environmental protection, serving as an example for other parts of the country. Through the adoption of sustainable forest management practices guaranteed by Pefc certification, these regions contribute significantly to protecting natural habitats and promoting the responsible use of forest resources.
Another relevant figure for 2024 is the increase in the number of companies that have achieved Pefc Chain of Custody Certification. By adding 236 new certified companies, the total number has reached 1,585 entities, marking a 16.8 percent increase over 2023. This growth represents their collective commitment to sustainability and transparency in the forest products supply chain.
Veneto, the region with the highest concentration of certified companies, followed by Lombardy and Trentino Alto Adige, highlights an economy that grows, but does so while respecting the environment. For consumers, Pefc Chain of Custody Certification guarantees the sustainable origin of products, helping to increase trust in the company's offerings, and helps promote responsible consumption. Certified companies also benefit from a significant competitive advantage in the marketplace, responding to the growing demand for sustainable products.
Data presented in the Annual Report of Pefc Italy, the body promoting the certification of good forestry management, underscore the importance of sustainable practices in forest management and the supply chain. The increase in certified areas and in the number of companies engaged in sustainable management shows that Italy is moving in the right direction in protecting its natural heritage.
