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Forest@ : Journal of Silviculture and Forest Ecology
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This is an Open Access Journal

Open Access journal
ISSN (Online) 1824-0119
Published by SISEF

[1 journal]

Research Articles: The current Italian research and its role in the
establishment of an Italian network of “old-growth forests”
- Authors: Motta R; Garbarino M, Lingua E, Lombardi F, Tognetti R
  Abstract: Abstract: With the publication of a Decree that has established a List of the Italian old-growth forests, we have analyzed, using text mining software, the state of the art of Italian research in this field. We have analyzed 188 ISI and 72 non-indexed papers or reports. The analysis has identified 165 locations of which more than 50% are on pure beech or mixed beech and silver fir stands. The analysis was focused mainly on structural characteristics and bio-indicators. The current knowledge represents reliable support for the establishment of an Italian network of old-growth forests and this green infrastructure offers important opportunities for research and collaboration between research, natural resource management, and local, regional, and state administrations. Keywords: Forest Structure, Biodiversity Indicators, Monitoring, Climate Change Impacts, Resilience, Closer To Nature Forest Management Forest@ 19 (2): 36-48 (2022) - doi: 10.3832/efor4110-019
  https://foresta.sisef.org/contents/'id=efor4110-019
  PubDate: 2022-04-28
  DOI: 10.3832/efor4110-019
Commentaries & Perspectives: The National Forestry Strategy of Italy and
the forest fire governance
- Authors: Ascoli D; Ferlazzo S, Marchetti M, Motta R, Pompei E, Stefani A
  Abstract: Abstract: Since February 2022, the National Forestry Strategy (NFS) for the forest sector and its supply chains is public. The NFS addresses in an innovative and science-based way key issues related to forest fire governance such as the integrated fire risk management, the convergence of forest, agro-pastoral and nature conservation policies with fire governance strategies, the regulatory update and the roadmap to open-access wildfire data. Keywords: Forest Policy, Wildfire Risk Management, Climate Change, Sustainability, Rural Development Forest@ 19 (2): 31-35 (2022) - doi: 10.3832/efor4093-019
  https://foresta.sisef.org/contents/'id=efor4093-019
  PubDate: 2022-03-20
  DOI: 10.3832/efor4093-019
Research Articles: A survey on public forest seedling production in Italy
- Authors: Martini S; Maltoni A, Monteverdi MC, De Dato G, Salbitano F, Marchetti M, Mariotti B
  Abstract: Abstract: In the upcoming years, the challenge of the exponential growth in tree planting activities matching climate crisis, which requires the use of targeted and adapted plant material, calls for creating an updated framework of the Italian forest nursery sector, for both basic materials (BM) and for forest reproductive materials (FRM). The present paper aims at highlighting pros and cons of the public nursery system and, at the same time, characterizing the current organization and production capacity in quantitative and qualitative terms. Our effort was focused on recovering information, topic for the development of the sector, which has been gradually weakened in the last decades. The research was carried out in two steps: (a) analysis of the online available sources; (b) diagnostic analysis by questionnaire to the nursery sector managers. The specific objectives were: (i) describing the state of the art of the available MBs; (ii) qualifying and quantifying the seedlings production (active nurseries, management of nurseries in the regions, typology and types of FRM produced and species); (iii) understanding the real and potential users of BM and FRM; and (iv) assessing the usability of information related to the nursery chain. The picture at national scale is definitively fragmented from all points of view: availability of BM, usability of available information, production capacity of FRM, rationalization and innovation of growing systems, computerization. Although virtuous cases were found, the Italian forest nursery sector generally needs a profound revitalization to cope with the imminent increasing demand for target material. Keywords: Forest Seedlings Production, Forest Reproductive Material, Basic Material, Public Forest Nurseries, Forest Nursery Stock Production Forest@ 19 (2): 18-30 (2022) - doi: 10.3832/efor4083-019
  https://foresta.sisef.org/contents/'id=efor4083-019
  PubDate: 2022-03-17
  DOI: 10.3832/efor4083-019
Research Articles: “Young Sentinels of the Coastal Pine Forest”: an
education project to safeguard biodiversity and prevent forest fires
- Authors: Agneta R; Greco M
  Abstract: Abstract: The vegetation of the coastal areas is closely linked to the back-dune habitat, generally occupied by coniferous forests of great naturalistic and landscape interest, where the floristic composition and vegetation are subject to deep transformations immediately after fire occurrence. School represents the ideal community for environmental and sustainability education projects aimed to raise the knowledge and awareness of the common cultural and natural heritage. This paper describes the work carried out by a third-year class of the Lower Secondary School of the I.C. “Q.O. Flacco” of Marconia (Matera, Italy) within the frame of the project “Young sentinels of the coastal pine forest”. The project aims to describe and safeguard the vegetation of the dune and back-dune habitat in the SIC area located in Marina di Pisticci, in order to prevent the occurrence of wildfires that can threaten the coastal pine forest. The results of this work can contribute to increase the knowledge of the local vegetation and to rise the awareness of new generations for the relevant role they should play in safeguarding the environment. Keywords: Environmental Education, Biodiversity, School Scouting Activities, Coastal Pine Forest, Fire Prevention Forest@ 19 (2): 12-17 (2022) - doi: 10.3832/efor4061-019
  https://foresta.sisef.org/contents/'id=efor4061-019
  PubDate: 2022-03-06
  DOI: 10.3832/efor4061-019
Book Reviews: Investing in forestry bears good fruit: lessons from the
past
- Authors: Portoghesi L
  Abstract: Abstract: It is good that it remains a testimony of a job well done. This is useful for the younger generation and for those who face similar problems albeit in different times and contexts. For this reason the book on reforestation carried out in Calabria almost seventy years ago is important, not only for the numerous information it provides on the subject, but above all because it helps understanding that behind what we see today in the landscape of many areas of that region there are enlightened political choices, good science and technology, the hard work of many people; all in collaboration with nature. Keywords: Reforestation, Southern Italy, Soil conservation, Book review Forest@ 19 (1): 10-11 (2022) - doi: 10.3832/efor0049-019
  https://foresta.sisef.org/contents/'id=efor0049-019
  PubDate: 2022-02-06
  DOI: 10.3832/efor0049-019
Technical Reports: Forest management and biodiversity, a new qualitative
indicator to assess the naturalness of forest environments
- Authors: Casella Mariola G; Tagliaferri L
  Abstract: Abstract: In recent years, the loss of biodiversity occurred worldwide has called for the creation of various indicators aimed to assess the health status of the environment. Due to the increase of forest areas throughout Europe, different ecological indicators for the assessment of naturalness and health of forest ecosystems are being theorized and modelled, with relevant implications both for planning current and future management of forest ecosystems and to control their evolution over time. In this study, a new indicator of the ecological naturalness of forest habitats is proposed with the aim of providing an intuitive and straightforward tool for the harmonization and optimization of sampling efforts in similar projects (such as those proposed by Forest Europe). To this end, a limited number of variables concerning deadwood, climate, fauna, forest typology, and biotic and abiotic stress of trees have been combined into an indicator which reflects the overall health status and naturalness of forest ecosystems. Future studies and the collaboration between different research groups are desirable in order to validate the theorethical indicator proposed here and test its effectiveness and ease-of-use in projects focused on assessing the naturalness of forest ecosystems. Keywords: Forests, Biodiversity, Wildlife, Insects, Saproxylic Fauna, Deadwood Forest@ 19 (1): 1-9 (2022) - doi: 10.3832/efor3933-018
  https://foresta.sisef.org/contents/'id=efor3933-018
  PubDate: 2022-01-10
  DOI: 10.3832/efor3933-018
Research Articles: Clonal eucalyptus plantations fertirrigated with
purified urban wastewater (simplified SI-UNIBAS system): a viable
opportunity
- Authors: Mughini G; Masi S
  Abstract: Abstract: The development of a “wood waste” supply chain using treated urban waste is proposed for fertirrigation of eucalypt clonal plantations. We used the simplified SI-UNIBAS urban waste water purification system, a modification of the conventional activated sludge system which allows for the production of water with variable loads of organic carbon (C), nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P), thus adapting the treated water to the crop requirements. A prototype of this system already exists since more than a decade in the municipality of Ferrandina, near Matera (southern Italy), where the purified wastewater is used to fertirrigate olive trees in an extensive experimentation with excellent results. We hypothesized the use of the SI-UNIBAS system to fertirrigate plantations of fast-growing eucalyptus clones in order to evaluate the obtainable wood production and the surfaces to be planted in areas of central and southern Italy characterized by evergreen and deciduous oak forests. In summary, the development of the “wood waste” chain could result in: (i) a reduction of up to 50% in waste treatment costs and CO2 emissions, compared to the conventional activated sludge system; (ii) a high and constant wood production (8 million m3 per year) over a short time (8-15 years rotation) on limited surfaces (about 400.000 ha) to be used as timber and/or biomass for energy use; (iii) savings on the cost of irrigation water, fertilizers or organic matter for wood production, while maintaining the soil fertility; (iv) savings on the use of chemical fertilizers and therefore no CO2 emissions from their production; (v) a lower logging from national forests and/or imports from abroad; (vi) the possibility of managing parts of forests currently subject to logging in a more efficient way in terms of absorption and conservation of atmospheric CO2 and biodiversity conservation. However, before large-scale applications of the SI-UNIBAS system, pilot studies need to be implemented in sites with soil, climatic and socio-economic conditions typical of central and southern Italy. We concluded that the SI-UNIBAS system has the potential to be applied in large-scale projects at the national level. Keywords: Eucalyptus, Clone, Timber, Biomass, Fertigation, Urban Wastewater, Purification Forest@ 18 (5): 85-92 (2021) - doi: 10.3832/efor3802-018
  https://foresta.sisef.org/contents/'id=efor3802-018
  PubDate: 2021-10-27
  DOI: 10.3832/efor3802-018
Corrigendum: Corrigendum - Remembering a leading forest scientist: Ezio
Magini
- Authors: Borghetti M
  Abstract: Abstract: We recognize in this note a mistake in the reconstruction of a tragic episode during the Second World War, reported in the article “Remembering a leading forest scientist: Ezio Magini” (https://doi.org/10.3832/efor0060-017). Keywords: Silviculture, Forest Genetics, Forest Tree Breeding, University of Florence, Italy Forest@ 18 (5): 84 (2021) - doi: 10.3832/efor0050-018
  https://foresta.sisef.org/contents/'id=efor0050-018
  PubDate: 2021-10-21
  DOI: 10.3832/efor0050-018
Progress Reports: SilvaCuore: an App for monitoring the health status of
Italian forests
- Authors: Castellaneta M; Borghetti M, Colangelo M, Lapolla A, Rita A, Ripullone F
  Abstract: Abstract: Several forest dieback and mortality phenomena reported across the Italian Peninsula over the last years underline an enhanced forest vulnerability in response to climate extremes, mainly heat waves and dry spells. Hundreds or even thousands hectares of forests completely die out over few years, causing considerable negative impacts on ecosystem services such as carbon sequestration and biodiversity. Thus, there is a compelling need to monitor these phenomena for understanding the future dynamics of forest stands: these crucial assumptions have led to SilvaCuore’s development, the first App designed in Italy to report the forests health status. The support of an active users’ community can not only allow researchers to survey declining forest sites, but also to better plan research activities and management measures. Silvacuore is an App designed with the willingness to strenghten the link between the citizens and the scientific community, contributing to the development of a valuable scientific database, available on a website and linked to the App. Through a user-friendly interface, the App leads the users throughout a simplified reporting procedure. SilvaCuore may therefore be perceived by a dual aspect: a resource for the scientific community and a unique opportunity for citizens to play an active role in research activities. Keywords: Active Citizenship, Census, Climate Change, Forest Disturbance, Mediterranean Forests, Scientific Database Forest@ 18 (5): 74-78 (2021) - doi: 10.3832/efor3993-018
  https://foresta.sisef.org/contents/'id=efor3993-018
  PubDate: 2021-10-14
  DOI: 10.3832/efor3993-018
Research Articles: Digitization and traceability: main results of the
Living Lab on the wood-energy supply chain in Italy
- Authors: Ciliberti S; Brunori A, Mariano E, Frascarelli A
  Abstract: Abstract: Italy is the first importer of wood-energy biomass worldwide, with tons of timber illegally imported every year and significant negative socio-economic and environmental consequences. A Living Lab was established involving 25 among stakeholders and key informants of the wood-energy supply chain in order to foster a participatory and open assessment of the impact of digital technology on traceability. A Socio-Cyber-Physical System (SCPS) approach was adopted to map entities, activities and relationships at stake in the wood-energy sector, aimed to analyse impacts of the introduction of digital technologies. Participatory activities allowed to identify both positive and negative impacts of the digitalisation process in the wood-energy sector. What emerged from the analysis is that, to orient digitalisation towards a real path to sustainability in the Italian wood-energy sector, a holistic approach taking into account all the social, geographical and environmental elements at stake is strongly needed. Keywords: Digitalisation, Traceability, Wood Energy, Living Lab, Italy Forest@ 18 (5): 79-83 (2021) - doi: 10.3832/efor3982-018
  https://foresta.sisef.org/contents/'id=efor3982-018
  PubDate: 2021-10-14
  DOI: 10.3832/efor3982-018
Editorials: Obituary: Klaus Hellrigl
- Authors: Minerbi S; Battisti A
  Abstract: Abstract: Dr. Klausjörg Hellrigl (1935-2021) passed away few weeks ago. For decades Dr. Hellrigl was a reference for Italian and foreign entomologists. Among his many articles and investigations, Dr. Hellrigl was probably best known for his studies on xylophagous beetles (Coleoptera: Buprestidae and Cerambycidae). Here, two former pupils of Dr. Hellrigl remember his life and scientific works. Keywords: Entomology, Coleoptera, Buprestidae, Cerambycidae Forest@ 18 (5): 72-73 (2021) - doi: 10.3832/efor0051-018
  https://foresta.sisef.org/contents/'id=efor0051-018
  PubDate: 2021-10-13
  DOI: 10.3832/efor0051-018
Progress Reports: The short wood supply chain: an opportunity for the
forest bio-economy in Italy
- Authors: Scarascia Mugnozza G; Romagnoli M, Fragiacomo M, Piazza M, Lasserre B, Brunetti M, Zanuttini R, Fioravanti M, Marchetti M, Todaro L, Togni M, Ferrante T, Maesano M, Nocetti M, De Dato GB, Sciomenta M, Villani T
  Abstract: Abstract: The motivations for the National Research Project on the Short Wood Supply Chain stem from the recognition of the great importance of the wood-based bio-economy for the future carbon-free society. In addition to the essential ecological benefits provided by forests, natural wood resources are expected to play a significant role due to the increasing wood demand for structural and non-structural uses. However, in Italy most industrial wood products are made from imported timber, which results in poor attention to local forestry, loss of traditional silvicultural know-how and reduced forest employment in most mountain areas. The project specifically aims: (i) to assess the feasability and sustainability of wood short supply chains; (ii) to promote new models of environmental certification and energy efficiency analysis; (iii) to create innovative products for bio-building (CrossLam, laminated timber, wood panels) using wood assortments from sustainable forest management in Italy; (iv) to characterise the functionality of wood products (with attention paid to architectural issues), predict wood degradation rate and assess conservation methods. Attention is specifically devoted to most common forest species in Italy, such as beech, pines, chestnut, deciduous oaks and poplar and to test thermal and surface treatments with natural substances and nano-materials. Keywords: Sustainable Forestry, Forest Circular Bio-Economy, Wood Technology and Engineering, Wood Industry and Construction Forest@ 18 (4): 64-71 (2021) - doi: 10.3832/efor0052-018
  https://foresta.sisef.org/contents/'id=efor0052-018
  PubDate: 2021-08-26
  DOI: 10.3832/efor0052-018
Review Papers: Afforestation and CO2 fixation: a few reference figures
from scientific research
- Authors: Magnani F; Raddi S
  Abstract: Abstract: Afforestation is often proposed as one of the most effective nature-based solutions to sequester carbon from the atmosphere, so mitigating the impending climate crisis. As a result, we have witnessed over the last few years a flourishing of projects aimed at planting new forests, particularly in periurban and agricultural settings, without a preliminary scientific discussion of their expected impact. In this contribution, we have therefore tried to summarize the evidence available for Italian settings, so as to define the range of sequestration rates that can be realistically expected. Moreover, we have tried to highlight some of the issues (age effects, single tree vs. stand perspective) that should be taken into account in the debate in order to harmonize results and approaches. Based on available evidence, under mesic conditions and with adequate cures at and after planting, we could realistically expect over the first decades a Net Ecosystem Production of about 3.5 t C ha-1 yr-1, in good agreement with results from other European deciduous tree plantations. Higher rates are definitely possible with fast-growing species (e.g., poplar, eucalypt) and intensive management, not always compatible with the environmental aims of such projects. In conclusion, afforestation can yield important results (also considering the other ecosystem services provided, particularly important in peri-urban and agricultural settings), although far from the C sequestration provided by the protection and sustainable management of existing forests. Keywords: Afforestation, Carbon Sequestration, NEP, Italy, Review Forest@ 18 (4): 60-63 (2021) - doi: 10.3832/efor3928-018
  https://foresta.sisef.org/contents/'id=efor3928-018
  PubDate: 2021-07-20
  DOI: 10.3832/efor3928-018
Commentaries & Perspectives: Italy goes against green growth'
Quite the opposite!
- Authors: Scarascia Mugnozza G
  Abstract: Abstract: A letter published in Nature presents in a misleading way the content of the IV Report on the State of Natural Capital in Italy and makes groundless criticism on the national forest strategy. We would like to refute these assertions here, bringing back to reality the contents of the Report, which goes, on the opposite, in the direction of green growth, environmental protection and biodiversity conservation. Keywords: National Forest Strategy, State of the Natural Capital, Green Growth, Environmental Protection, Biodiversity Conservation Forest@ 18 (4): 58-59 (2021) - doi: 10.3832/efor0053-018
  https://foresta.sisef.org/contents/'id=efor0053-018
  PubDate: 2021-07-17
  DOI: 10.3832/efor0053-018
Commentaries & Perspectives: Drought and heat waves, cues for an
adaptive silviculture
- Authors: Borghetti M; Colangelo M, Ripullone F, Rita A
  Abstract: Abstract: We propose some ideas for an adaptive silviculture in the Mediterranean biogeographic region that could assist in shaping forests which are less vulnerable to extreme climatic events, such as those drought and heat waves that are expected to be more intense and frequent in the future. We discuss about silvicultural approaches that would aim to: regulate competition and density-dependent effects; enhance functional diversity; increase the complexity of forest communities. These approaches are especially advisable in the Mediterranean region, which is a hotspot for climate change and where forests have been exploited for many centuries and are only recently taking advantage of a recovery phase. Keywords: Forest, Tree, Drought, Decline, Management, Functional Diversity, Mediterranean Forest@ 18 (4): 49-57 (2021) - doi: 10.3832/efor0054-018
  https://foresta.sisef.org/contents/'id=efor0054-018
  PubDate: 2021-07-09
  DOI: 10.3832/efor0054-018
Research Articles: The search for well-being in natural environments: a
case study in the Covid-19 era
- Authors: Vivona S; Romeo N, Sdao P, Veltri A
  Abstract: Abstract: Since March 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic has changed lifestyles in relation with the external environment, in particular nature. The permanence in natural environments, the relationship with the outside and with the green that surrounds us reveal, in general, important elements of personal and collective well-being, both during the usual daily life but also and above all in the current pandemic crisis, that has dramatically changed everyone’s life habits and has disrupted interpersonal relationships and the relationship with the outdoor world, often observed from a window. As part of the CNR FOE-Nutrage project “Nutrizione, Alimentazione e Invecchiamento attivo”, subtask 3.6.4 “Well-being search in natural environments”, a case study was conducted with the aim of investigating, through desk analysis and field surveys, the relationship between the environment and well-being on a sample of people over 65 years of age - considered at high risk during the current COVID-19 pandemic - residing mainly in Calabria (southern Italy) and Lombardia (northern Italy). The overall vision integrated good lifestyles and permanence in natural environments with the perspective of disease prevention and maintenance of the psycho-physical health. Results showed that the sample interviewed, despite having changed during the lockdown of March-April 2020 the type of environment frequented and reduced the time spent outside, did not give up walking, attending outdoor spaces and taking care of the house greenery (plants and terraces) for their psycho-physical well-being. The study is part of a vision extensively investigated by the scientific literature on the influence of environmental factors on the psycho-physical well-being of people, and, in particular, on the importance of ecosystem services and of the “Green-care”. Keywords: Well-being, Environment, Active-aging, Ecosystem Services, Green Care, Covid-19 Forest@ 18 (4): 41-48 (2021) - doi: 10.3832/efor3878-018
  https://foresta.sisef.org/contents/'id=efor3878-018
  PubDate: 2021-07-04
  DOI: 10.3832/efor3878-018
Commentaries & Perspectives: Concerns about the boreal forest in
Europe
- Authors: Borghetti M
  Abstract: Abstract: This note reports some concerns about the conservation of the boreal forest in Europe. In the Fennoscandia, there has been a significant increase in forest clearcutting in recent years, likely affecting even the remnants of natural forest. In Sweden, due to the long-term application of plantation forestry, a small fraction of the original boreal forest remains: its further fragmentation may jeopardize forest biodiversity and forest’s ability to cope with ongoing climatic changes. Outside protected areas, clearcutting followed by soil scarification, plantation, forest vegetation management, etc. grants financial profitability and large volumes of wood products, but not the conservation of biodiversity. Negative effects might be also expected on the ecosystem carbon balance due to large carbon-dioxide emissions for long years after clearcutting. It is good that these issues are being brought to the forefront of the environmental and scientific debate. Keywords: Sweden, Forestry, Wood Harvesting, Clearcutting, Biodiversity Forest@ 18 (3): 38-40 (2021) - doi: 10.3832/efor0055-018
  https://foresta.sisef.org/contents/'id=efor0055-018
  PubDate: 2021-06-14
  DOI: 10.3832/efor0055-018
Commentaries & Perspectives: Forest harvesting in Europe: a healthy
scientific debate
- Authors: Ascoli D; Chirici G, Francini S, Marchetti M, Motta R, Vacchiano G
  Abstract: Abstract: Is forest harvesting increasing in Europe' There is scientific debate about methodological approach and data regarding clearcut increment in Europe but, besides the discussion, there is a general agreement about the need to collect reliable scientifically robust remote sensing data for sound forest policy-making. Keywords: Forest Harvesting, Remote Sensing, Global Forest Change Forest@ 18 (3): 35-37 (2021) - doi: 10.3832/efor3892-018
  https://foresta.sisef.org/contents/'id=efor3892-018
  PubDate: 2021-06-10
  DOI: 10.3832/efor3892-018
Research Articles: Remote sensing and automatic procedures: useful tools
to monitor forest harvesting
- Authors: Francini S; D’Amico G, Mencucci M, Seri G, Gravano E, Chirici G
  Abstract: Abstract: Forests produce a wide range of ecosystem services, including the traditional wood production. Sustainable forest management approaches are used to locally calibrate wood harvesting on the basis of local conditions and should not adversely affect other ecosystem services. To assess forest harvesting sustainability and impacts it is essential to know their spatial distribution. At the present date accurate statistics on wood harvesting are not available in Italy. In this context, remote sensing and automatic mapping algorithms constitute an important tool for providing spatially explicit information to quantify wood harvesting and thus supporting more sustainable forest management approaches. In this work we tested an automatic mapping algorithm (3I3D) using multitemporal Sentinel-2 imagery to produce a map of forest disturbance produced by different types of wood harvesting in the province of Arezzo for the year 2018. Thanks to a photo-interpretation work of high resolution PlanetScope imagery and field data collected by the Carabinieri Forestali, we were able to calculate commission (2%) and omission (18%) errors of the automatic 3I3D map. The results of this work motivate the introduction of remote sensing tools as a support for monitoring and quantification of forest wood harvesting. Keywords: Remote Sensing, Sentinel-2, Forest Disturbance, Harvest, PlanetScope Forest@ 18 (3): 27-34 (2021) - doi: 10.3832/efor3835-018
  https://foresta.sisef.org/contents/'id=efor3835-018
  PubDate: 2021-05-07
  DOI: 10.3832/efor3835-018
Short Communications: The perception of the forest in forestry students: a
survey at the University of Florence
- Authors: Chirici D; Sacchelli S, Salbitano F, Travaglini D, Marchi E, Cocozza C
  Abstract: Abstract: The growing interest in the positive effects of the forest on the individual and social sphere and in the cultural and social development of local realities has motivated this survey to investigate the preferences of recreational activities carried out in the forest. The study was aimed to understand the effect of the forest on the psychological conditions of its users, and to evaluate the value attributed to the ecosystem services of the forest by the users themselves. The survey focused on the perception of the forest of the students of the degree courses in Forestry and Environmental Sciences of the University of Florence. The survey population was constituted by 283 students, 219 enrolled in the three-year degree course and 64 in the master’s course; 36% of the population, 102 students, answered a questionnaire specially created for this study. The main frequentation of the forest for free leisure activities has defined psychological well-being through the sensation of “serenity”, as the one most perceived, and sensations of “energy”, “euphoria”, “quiet”, “relief” and “lucidity”. A high value was attributed to the ecosystem services of the forest, such as “local climate regulation” and “air quality regulation”, by demonstrating the weight of the background of university studies. The survey is proposed as a pilot study for the analysis of psychological well-being and the recreational services of the forest useful to numerous professionals connected to it. Keywords: Forest Sciences, Recreational Activities In Forest, Psychological Well-being, Ecosystem Services, Semantic Differential Forest@ 18 (2): 22-26 (2021) - doi: 10.3832/efor3816-018
  https://foresta.sisef.org/contents/'id=efor3816-018
  PubDate: 2021-03-27
  DOI: 10.3832/efor3816-018
Editorials: The impact of scientific research, between challenging
predictions and unexpected consequences
- Authors: Borghetti M
  Abstract: Abstract: We highlight, with the support of a couple of scientific stories, the difficulty of forecasting the impact of scientific research when you are struggling with writing a scientific project. However, sooner or later applications and positive impacts might come by themselves, if high-quality projects and scientists are appointed. Keywords: Science, Projects, Applications, Dissemination Forest@ 18 (1): 20-21 (2021) - doi: 10.3832/efor0056-017
  https://foresta.sisef.org/contents/'id=efor0056-017
  PubDate: 2021-02-02
  DOI: 10.3832/efor0056-017
Book Reviews: Book Review: Disasters and their relation with forests -
Three case studies to support extreme events management
- Authors: Chiavetta U
  Abstract: Abstract: This book review is a reworked and translated version of the synthesis from the report “Forest-related disasters - Three case studies and lessons for management of extreme events” by H. van Hensbergen and J. Cedergren, published by the Food And Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations. The volume describes the complex relationship between disasters and forests, defining the multiple roles that trees play during environmental disasters and how much this affects human activities. After a brief general introduction, the description continues through the analysis of three catastrophic events that occurred since the beginning of this century. The chronicle and the analysis of repercussions on forests and population of the storm Gudrun (Sweden, 2005), the Tohoku tsunami (Japan, 2011) and the firestorm in central Chile (Chile, 2017) are reported. From the synthesis of the three experiences, some lessons of management of extreme events are drawn, reported as a strategic suggestion to face, from a forestry point of view, the planning and reaction to catastrophic emergencies involving forests and trees. Keywords: Forests, Disaster, Catastrophe, Emergency, Fire, Storm, Tsunami Forest@ 18 (1): 15-19 (2021) - doi: 10.3832/efor3764-018
  https://foresta.sisef.org/contents/'id=efor3764-018
  PubDate: 2021-01-27
  DOI: 10.3832/efor3764-018
Research Articles: Xylosandrus compactus, a new forest pest in Italy
- Authors: Faccoli M
  Abstract: Abstract: The black twig borer Xylosandrus compactus, an ambrosia beetle native to Asia, was recorded for the first time in Europe in 2011 in central Italy. This paper reports the progressive dispersal of this invasive species in many Italian regions (Campania 2011, Tuscany and Liguria 2012, Lombardy 2015, Lazio and Sicily 2016, Emilia Romagna 2018, Veneto 2019) and other European countries (France 2015, Spain and Greece 2019). The main features of the biology and ecology are reported, and the infestation symptoms and the produced damages are descripted, as well. An updated list of the potential host-plants is also provided. Finally, protocols for the pest control are suggested. Keywords: Invasive Species, Ambrosia Beetle, Asian Pest Forest@ 18 (1): 8-14 (2021) - doi: 10.3832/efor3711-018
  https://foresta.sisef.org/contents/'id=efor3711-018
  PubDate: 2021-01-21
  DOI: 10.3832/efor3711-018
Research Articles: National Recovery and Resilience Plan "Next Generation
EU": a wasted opportunity for Italian forests
- Authors: Romano R
  Abstract: Abstract: The Plan approved by the Council of Ministers of Italy on Jan 12, 2021 in Mission 2. “Green revolution and ecological transition”, Project Line 2.4 “Territory and water resource protection”, includes a specific intervention called “Forests and Protection” designated to mitigate the risks associated with hydrogeological instability, which does not provide for specific financial resources and refers to the EAFRD fund of the next programming period. In light of the actual hydrogeological emergencies of the country and the periodic announcements following each calamitous event, the choice made is incomprehensible. Not even the recent disaster that struck the forests in north-eastern Italy following the Vaia windstorm was an adequate warning to set aside for forests a two-hundredth of the funds in the PNRR. Keywords: National Recovery and Resilience Plan, Next Generation EU, Forests, Hydrogeological Disruption, Sustainable Forest Management Forest@ 18 (1): 5-7 (2021) - doi: 10.3832/efor3751-018
  https://foresta.sisef.org/contents/'id=efor3751-018
  PubDate: 2021-01-18
  DOI: 10.3832/efor3751-018
Commentaries & Perspectives: Vaia storm facing the unbearable
lightness of forest reporting
- Authors: Pettenella D; Marchetti M, Motta R, Vacchiano G
  Abstract: Abstract: Recently published data on Italian forest removals from FAO and EUROSTAT are still ridden with inaccuracies and underestimation. In this work we show how and why the Italian forestry data collection system is in itself unreliable. This represents a major obstacle for designing sector policies, ensuring the flow of forest ecosystem services from the forest to the society, and defining a role for forests, forestry and wood consistent with the European Green Deal and in the NextGenerationEU Recovery and Resilience Facility. A more reliable strategy for data collection is urgently required. Keywords: Forest Inventory, Forest Statistics, Data Sources, Forest Harvesting, Eurostat Forest@ 18 (1): 1-4 (2021) - doi: 10.3832/efor3733-017
  https://foresta.sisef.org/contents/'id=efor3733-017
  PubDate: 2021-01-09
  DOI: 10.3832/efor3733-017