The forest has always represented, for humanity, a space that is sometimes frightening, ambiguous, and fascinating—one we have had to confront. Thus, the forest is home to strange and hideous animals; treasures and secrets are guarded within it; fairies appear in various forms, and witches choose it for their sabbaths. The forest and its plants have inspired myths and legends, often rooted in the etymology of their names.
The forest, in our imagination, becomes a reflection of the states of mind that permeate us. The same places can give us security or fear; each of us experiences the forest differently. The sudden trill of a wren can startle or make us smile; a spiderweb highlighted by a sliver of light at sunset can cause a shiver or enchantment. These impressions are as diverse as the moods and sensitivities of those who experience them. (Lacci, 1996)
All of this happens when you enter a forest on foot, if you want to observe and understand what surrounds you, to gain an intimate and detailed understanding of the woodland’s essence. This is not the case if you enter with a wood chipper or an excavator, or even just a chainsaw. It is not the case if you decide that fire can be an ally in changing the intended use of that area.
Publisher: Hoepli, 2019 | Pages: 208, Paperback
EAN: 9788820391881
C’era una volta un bosco (Once upon a time there was a forest), although it begins like a fairy tale, tells of an unbalanced relationship between humans and forested areas. It explores the complexity of ecosystems, the value of biodiversity, the urgency of environmental issues, and the awareness of how the relationship between humans and forests has evolved, even culturally.
Starting from the disaster that struck the mountains of the northeast on October 29, 2018 (storm Vaia), a passionate story of climate change unfolds, showing oceans and forests united by the same fate, dramatically overwhelmed by an environmental and biological crisis with unpredictable consequences.
The comprehensive and careful analysis of this devastating meteorological event serves as a guide to understanding the various aspects that characterize forests and woodlands.
The engaging text is accompanied by exclusive diagrams and photographs, enriched by the valuable contributions of geobotanist Cesare Lasen, ornithologist Francesco Mezzavilla, entomologist Marialuisa Dal Cortivo, Anselmo Cagnati, head of the snow and avalanche service of Veneto ARPA (Regional Agency for Environmental Protection), and other talented collaborators. They have made this book a detailed and valuable portrait, essential for understanding the complexity and ecosystemic value of the forest. A vital system that we too often take for granted and that too many people casually consider “a collection of trees”.
A book that highlights the mistakes we’ve made and, for this reason, simultaneously shows the paths we must no longer take. Will we be able to heed these warnings and retrace our steps? Will we understand that we must change course not only “for the Planet,” as even detergent commercials claim, but also for the survival of our species, which depends on the oxygen that only terrestrial plants and ocean algae can provide?
If you are a member of EARTH GARDENERS you can purchase this book with a 5% discount at the “Messaggerie sarde” bookshop in Sassari, in Piazza Castello 11. If you don’t have your 2026 membership card yet, you can pick it up at the bookshop when you go shopping!
Credits
Author: Anna Lacci is a science communicator and expert in environmental education, sustainability, and place-based teaching. She is the author of documentaries, nature books, workbooks, interdisciplinary teaching resources, and multimedia informational materials.
Translated by Maria Antonietta Sessa
