Forest cognition by local communities: a case study in the Trento municipality (Italy)

Abstract

The work illustrates the methodology and initial results of research into how the inhabitants of the Municipality of Trento perceive the woods, research which will be subsequently extended to other municipalities in the Trentino (central-east Alps). The chosen method of survey is the self-reported questionnaire, using a random sample of 1000 families selected from the local Registry Office. The article describes in detail the method of formulation, verification and proposal to the respondents, method that revealed itself an instrument well-suited to the reality of the territory surveyed. Also discussed are the possibilities of extending its use to other territorial areas. The results of the descriptive analysis relative to certain themes dealt with in the survey, and set out in the work, clearly demonstrate the strong bond between population and territory; the appreciation of the mountain landscape typical of the Trentino, a solid knowledge of the woods of the province and the recognition of the importance of these in the characterisation of the landscape. The work underlines the importance of taking into consideration not only the values that are commonly attributed to the forest ecosystem, but also those that involve the emotive sphere and the sense of cultural identity of the population. Lastly, the usefulness to those responsible for the protection and management of the natural resources that are part of the region’s heritage, and the possible spin-offs to be gained from a survey of this type, are discussed, further emphasizing the importance of opening channels of dialogue between community and administrator.

Keywords

• Perception
• Participation
• Values
• Forest management
• Landscape