Ecological sustainability and socioeconomic resilience: forest management and natural conservation practices in a long-term planning vision

Forests frequently act as mediators of socio-ecological services in multiple environmental strategies, including policy tools (soil, water, air directives), as well as the European Landscape Convention. Within the basic concept of “wealthier forests for better life,” the present contribution—going beyond the traditional environmental monitoring approach—provides an integrated (ecological-biophysical) framework aimed at a more effective monitoring, management, and planning of Mediterranean forests, indirectly focused on Italy. Being oriented toward the so-called “territorial co-planning” and acting between two or more local stakeholders, the work may inform public bodies responsible for land management. The implementation of integrated forest planning is therefore based on the constant interaction between actors and skills according to a circular logic. The creative abilities of local territories will be relevant to exploit all the possible qualified (youth employment) opportunities connected to local forest resources (e.g., wood-energy, nature tourism, environmental education, nonwood forest products, and cultural events). The social value of forest is, finally, connected to the specific context of this study, dealing with any strategy to promote the intrinsic development of internal areas. Reducing land abandonment and fighting against depopulation of mountainous districts, wealthier forests, and economically viable silviculture, should improve value added of the primary sector and maintain socially cohesive local communities in internal districts.