Forest planning and the claim for territorial sustainability

Since 1980, academics and scholars have focused on forest productivity, adopting planning initiatives such as Local Forest Economic Plans and Forest Production Management Plans. Planning approaches range from broad-scale conservation and development considerations to site-specific, effective management practices. An effective forest planning relies on coordination among environmental forest plans, protected areas, and regional landscape plans. The present research introduces the Consolidated Law on forests and forestry supply chains in Italy, highlighting Territorial Forestry Plans (PFITs) as a planning tool. PFITs contribute to the design of effective landscape plans promoting local development. The work highlights the global importance of forests, emphasizing their role in sustaining the livelihoods of 1.6 billion people and regulating natural cycles. Forests represent crucial contributors to employment, production, and commerce, particularly in rural areas, as well as providing essential ecosystem services. The study proposes innovative cognitive and participatory analysis methods to define PFIT interventions, highlighting the relevance of participatory planning.