Forestry challenges and regeneration in Italy

Lombardia is facing a concerning period for its forest heritage and biodiversity due to increasing wildfires. Since the beginning of the year, 606 hectares of woodland have burned across various locations, including Venegono Inferiore, Laveno Mombello, and Cene. Experts attribute this trend to rising temperatures, water stress, and low precipitation, which reduce the safety margins of the region's forests.

Barbara Meggetto, president of Legambiente Lombardia, noted that these fires serve as a warning for both the present and the future of the environment. The situation complicates European biodiversity goals, such as the Strategy on Biodiversity aiming to protect 30% of territory by 2030 and the Nature Restoration Law.

In contrast to these recent threats, reforestation efforts following the 2018 Storm Vaia show a model of environmental recovery. The social enterprise VAIA has facilitated the planting of over 200,000 new trees in the Dolomites and surrounding regions. By recovering and processing wood from the storm, the initiative has supported local artisans and funded large-scale replanting efforts to restore the landscape.