Laudato si’ (without forest, neither bread nor fire)

Abstract

The encyclical letter Laudato si’ of the Holy Father Francis on care for our common home, our planet, is considered. The approach to complex socioecological systems is stressed. In this same perspective, the tenth congress of the Italian Society of Silviculture and Forest Ecology, to be held in Firenze (Italy) next September 15th to 18th, aims to highlight the role of forests and forestry in supporting the life on the planet. Forestry can be one of the most dynamic sectors of the “green economy”. The ethical norm of respect for the intrinsic value of the ecosystem is just brought about by concern, closeness and familiarity between man and forest and, on the contrary, it may be hampered by aprioristic resource immobilization.