The current Italian research and its role in the establishment of an Italian network of “old-growth forests”

Abstract

The current Italian research and its role in the establishment of an Italian network of “old-growth forests” With the publication of a Decree that has established a List of the Italian old- growth forests, we have analyzed, using text mining software, the state of the art of Italian research in this field. We have analyzed 188 ISI and 72 non-inde- xed papers or reports. The analysis has identified 165 locations of which more than 50% are on pure beech or mixed beech and silver fir stands. The analysis was focused mainly on structural characteristics and bio-indicators. The cur- rent knowledge represents reliable support for the establishment of an Italian network of old-growth forests and this green infrastructure offers important opportunities for research and collaboration between research, natural resource management, and local, regional, and state administrations. Keywords: