Coastal stone pine afforestations in Tuscany: hypothesis of forest management for biodiversity conservation

Abstract

Stone pine afforestations are systems of artificial origin that have become ingrainedwith the coastal landscape. Planted for protective aim, stone pines have been subsequentlyused for fruit and wood production. Recently a considerable importance has beenrecognized to the pine stand for the completion of functions and services of publicinterest. In this study, after a short review of traditional silviculture treatment adopted forcoastal stone pine afforestation, results of field observation in two study areas arereported. In conclusion the authors hypothesize guidelines of forest managementfollowing the new trend oriented to the biodiversity conservation within forest systems.