Sustainable and economic management of forest resources: a strategic case study from Italy.

In the context of rural development policies that many countries, both European and non-European, are starting to look at the objectives of Horizon 2020, one of the most important activities is that related to the maintenance and proper management of forest resources. These, when properly managed, cannot only contribute significantly to the sustainable management of forests, but there could be an important source of income for farmers and for determined areas. In this sense, a crucial example is the truffle chain. This is a high-income forestry cultivation in Italy. The truffle chain accounts for a significant portion of the agricultural and commercial activity. Moreover, this product contributes toward the maintenance of many rural communities and avoids the abandonment of disadvantaged areas; finally very important are also the economic consequences. A proper maintenance and or sustainable development of this sector can certainly contribute further to the maintenance of rural areas in parts of Italy. The purpose of this paper is to present the case study of the black truffle in Italy, highlighting the economic potential (with particular emphasis on the export aspects) and critical issues with particular reference to the sustainability. The final objective is to describe a case study that could be an example to be replicable in other contexts and at other times.