Pine reforestation in Mediterranean mountains. An ecological problem or an opportunity?
Résumé
Conifer reforestation plantations in central Italy were massively made since the end of 1800 until the end of 1900, mainly with Pinus nigra and Pinus halepensis. They were made for forest restoration purpose, to foster the secondary succession, to stabilize slopes and for hydrogeological balance. If these reforestations have been well carried out and well managed (i.e. they have not undergone cuts, cleanings, fires, etc.), they are working well in the Apennines; for this reason, we must not promote campaigns for their eradication. We need to wait for these formations to slowly turn towards more natural stages. Thinning cuts are not necessary, given that these trees are easily knocked to the ground by natural events. These areas could be destined for ex-situ protection of threatened species, and the reforestation by native conifers could be considered as compensation for the destruction or the reduction of the original populations of those species. They now consist of semi natural, historical and cultural formations of ecological, naturalistic, landscape and hydrogeological balance interest. Despite this, they are considered to be eliminated because of forest fire risks and for their artificial origin. As with the secondary formations, these conifers too can enter that circuit of areas to contribute to an eco-systemic and the landscape discontinuity, contributing to the aesthetic of the landscape and enhancing its ecological value. It is true that these formations are very subject to fires, but this does not mean that they should be mistreated and destroyed, given that other formations such as the Mediterranean macchia, garriga, oak woods, crops and secondary successions shrublands are equally subject to this risk induced by man. Among the most important characteristics of those formations are the presence of dead wood, and of a favorable environment for micro-mammals and mushrooms, which has a cascade interest for all the food chain, for biodiversity and for the landscape mosaic. Some researches are carried out to study those formations, that are quickly disappearing due to hervesting and wildfires. This is happening also for the most natural pine forests, even in core areas of protected areas. For those reasons, we should follow a more precaution principle, in a more objective and science-based way, with more sustainable actions.
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