Legambiente report highlights rising forest fires in Italy

The 2026 Legambiente report, titled “The Bioeconomy of Forests,” reveals a contradictory situation for Italy’s woodland heritage. While forest coverage has grown to cover 37% of the national territory, or 11 million hectares, the country is facing a dramatic increase in wildfires and structural management failures.

Between January 1 and October 15, 2026, Italy recorded 2,223 fires, a 20.5% increase compared to the previous year, destroying 130,858 hectares. The southern regions were most severely impacted: Sicily recorded 71,178 hectares burned across 836 fires, Calabria saw 14,359 hectares lost across 570 fires, and Puglia lost 13,649 hectares. Sardinia and Piedmont also reported significant damage. The province of Bolzano was the only territory completely spared from fires.

The report also identifies critical gaps in forest management and economic independence. Currently, only 21% of forest surfaces are planned and 11% are actively managed. Furthermore, Italy remains heavily dependent on foreign timber, importing 80% of its supply despite a domestic forest-wood-energy sector valued at 52.2 billion euros in 2025. Legambiente is calling on the government to certify 25% and plan 50% of forest surfaces by 2030 to support ecological transition and biodiversity.