Conifers Reforestations: An Environmental Problem or a Possible Resource?

This chapter explores the current knowledge of conifer forests in Italy, focusing especially on artificial reforestation formations. It discusses the current critical issues and contradictions, proposing more balanced solutions. The chapter analyzes the human and ecological opportunities offered by these ecosystems, considering global challenges such as climate change, hydrogeological balance, biological invasions, assisted migration, ecosystem restoration, conservation, natural resources use, rewilding, wood supply chain and forest management. It contributes to the debate on human impact, land abandonment and species management, topics with implications and interests extending well beyond Italy's borders. Proposals for the elimination of conifers are often made too easily, even in areas where conifer forests are more natural, because these formations tend to expand as effective pioneer species on rocky substrates, secondary meadows and garriga. Reforestation should not be excluded a priori, even in more natural and specific contexts, particularly those affected by environmental degradation.