Forest Dynamic in the Italian Apennines

In recent decades, many mountain areas of the Mediterranean countries show spontaneous reforestation or densification due to depopulation and the consequent abandonment of traditional agricultural and pastoral activities, leading to the loss of open habitats. In this paper, dynamics of natural and semi-natural areas in the summit areas of the Abruzzo, Lazio e Molise National Park are investigated, highlighting changes that occurred from 1954 to present days. Historic Land cover maps have been produced by photo interpretation. A quantitative description of changes and habitats loss in relation to the socio-economic changes is provided. As expected, a forest surface expansion and an open areas decrease are observed similarly to many marginal mountains, where land abandonment and general forest/shrub recovery are the inevitable tendencies. An intense debate is still ongoing regarding the opportunity of rewilding, allowing the natural reforestation processes, versus the management of some areas, in order to preserve habitats and cultural traditional landscapes. For the EU biodiversity conservation policy to be effective, proper planning and management of interventions as well as public support and funding, become crucial when traditional activities are no longer profitable and viable for local inhabitants.