Forest@ (Jan 2006)
The Pollino national park in between ecology and development
Abstract
The Pollino national park covers an area of 192500 ha across Calabria and Basilicata regions (Southern Italy) and includes three main mountain ranges: “Massiccio del Pollino”, “Monti di Orsomarso” and “Monte Alpi”. Pinus leucodermis is the most important forest tree species, covering an area of 5678 ha, 62% of which is located on the “Massiccio del Pollino” and 38% along the two regional coastlines. Moreover, the very rich and various wildlife living within the park is of remarkable interest, though it has been depauperated through time by the intervention of man. Forest management and planning are fundamental for the preservation of the park, since local forest exploitation is often in contrast with conservation purposes. Management strategies should be applied within the protected areas with the aim of preserving the actual and potential biodiversity of the forests, which often is a priority habitat for the flora and fauna. The establishment of protected areas like the Pollino national park may be a neat example of how to counterbalance local economic growth and development with nature protection purposes.
