forestale

Forestale is an Italian term that designates anything related to forests or forestry. It functions as both an adjective and a noun, describing forest management, forest resources, or institutions and professions connected with forests.

In science and practice, forestale covers the field of forestry (scienze forestali), including silviculture, forest ecology, timber production, forest policy, and conservation. It appears in phrases such as gestione forestale (forest management) and protezione forestale (forest protection), and it underpins approaches to sustainable use and protection of forest ecosystems.

In public administration, the term is well known from the Italian national forestry police, historically called Corpo Forestale dello Stato. Its duties included safeguarding forests, protected areas, and enforcing environmental and wildlife laws. In 2017, its functions were integrated into the Carabinieri, forming the Comando unità Tutela Forestale, Ambientale e Agroalimentare dell'Arma dei Carabinieri (CTFAA).

Today, forestale remains a common term in policy documents, education, and professional practice, referring to forestry and the governance of forest resources. It is used both in Italy and in contexts adopting Italian terminology, reflecting the ongoing importance of forests for resources, biodiversity, and environmental protection.