Deforestation in the Calabria Region: causes, consequences and solutions

Abstract

We analyze the anthropogenic drivers of the systematic deforestation process which occurred between the middle of the 18^th and the middle of the 20^th century in Calabria. The consequences on hydrogeological degradation are examined together with the various laws which have, in time, tried to improve the situation, especially by promoting reforestation projects. The large reforestation effort, mostly starting from the middle of the 20^th century, has produced important results in social, economic and environmental terms, which are coherent with the aims of sustainable forest management