FUNCTIONAL LANDSCAPES AND ECOSYSTEM RESTORATION

Bruno D'Amicis

FUNCTIONAL LANDSCAPES AND ECOSYSTEM RESTORATION

Science helps us understand nature, yet its workings remain extraordinarily complex. Nature is dynamic, constantly evolving—a forest today may become a grassland tomorrow, and vice versa. Understanding and respecting these transformations is key to preserving vibrant, resilient landscapes in the face of environmental crises.

We may never fully grasp nature’s intricacies, but we can observe, learn, and recognize that the best guardian of natural processes is nature itself. When healthy, it gives back in countless ways—clean air and water, food and medicine, carbon storage, flood prevention, and even raw materials for construction.

Nature provides everything. Protecting it means protecting ourselves. The negative impact humans have had on ecosystems is not irreversible; it can be mitigated, allowing nature the space to regenerate.

In the heart of the Central Apennines, our commitment to environmental restoration takes shape through the removal of abandoned barbed wire, the cleanup of illegal dumpsites, and targeted interventions in river ecosystems to restore space for life to flourish.

Alongside this continuous effort, we carry out many other small yet vital actions to improve critical habitats for the species we work to protect, ensuring a healthier, more balanced future for all.

Removing barbed wire: restoring freedom to nature

Between the 1950s and 1990s, the Corpo Forestale carried out an extensive reforestation effort across vast mountain areas that had been dangerously stripped bare by centuries of overexploitation. To protect the millions of newly planted trees, hundreds of thousands of kilometers of barbed wire were installed. But once the forests grew and regenerated, the wire was left behind.

Today, these remnants not only scar the landscape but also pose a serious threat to both wildlife and people. For species like deer, roe deer, and wild boar, barbed wire can become a deadly trap.

That’s why we are committed to freeing the Central Apennines from abandoned barbed wire—meter by meter—through an ongoing effort involving volunteers and local communities. A patient, collective endeavor to return freedom to nature.

Cleaning of illegal dumps: restoring nature, changing mindsets

Fighting environmental indifference and shifting the distorted perception of common goods is a true cultural challenge, but one worth pursuing.

This is why we are committed to cleaning up the many illegal dumpsites scattered not only along roads but also in forests, meadows, riversides, and trails.

We believe that action and example are the most powerful tools for raising awareness and educating people about respecting nature. For us, these clean-up days are not just a way to care for the environment—they are a statement: our love for the land is stronger than any act of neglect or disrespect!

Restoring our rivers: protecting the lifelines of nature

We have always paid special attention to our rivers. Across the world, these vital waterways face countless threats, pushing them into a state of severe decline.

In collaboration with the Open Rivers Programme and the Dam Removal Europe movement, we are implementing a range of initiatives to improve the health of rivers in the Central Apennines.

From removing barriers to restoring river habitats, we are creating the conditions for the natural return of lost species and supporting endangered ones through targeted repopulation efforts.

Rivers are the lifelines of nature—protecting them means safeguarding entire ecosystems.

Learn more in our dedicated river restoration section.