The forest perception in the present-day society: results of a survey carried out in Florence and Prato provinces (Tuscany)

Abstract

The relationships between Imaginary and Forestry are evident. Today, more than in the past, the forest management is related not only to technical aspects, but also to emotions of the human communities enjoying forest services. It is therefore necessary to understand the demands and the levels of naturalistic culture of the people living in a territory. The aim of the research is to carry out, on a sample of persons resident in the provinces of Prato and Florence (Tuscany), an analysis of forest perception. A card with 29 questions was set up: two or three answers (in classification) to each question were allowed. The card was aimed to get information on the approach of different categories of people (sex, age and  professions were distinguished) to the forest, related with: 1. degree of naturalistic culture; 2. demands; 3. aesthetics; 4. environmental ethics; 5. emotions.

Caution is advised to interpret the results (as a whole, 250 cards were distributed). Anyway, the investigation shows:

- the lack of naturalistic education

- the strong emotional approach to the forests

- the demands of «wilderness», often tending to turn into a mentality towards an integral conservation.

The main results are discussed with regard to anthropological and social aspects