Legambiente report on forest fires in Piedmont (2026)

The report «La Bioeconomia delle foreste 2026» (The Bioeconomy of Forests 2026), produced by Legambiente and presented at the IX Forum Foreste, analyses the state of Italy's forest heritage and ranks Piedmont fourth among the regions most affected by forest fires during 2026, with 52 fires and over 5,000 hectares of woodland burned ^[1][2].

The report's findings

The document highlights four main critical issues for Italy's forest heritage: the increase in fires, the acceleration of the climate crisis combined with the spread of alien species, delays in prevention and sustainable forest management, and dependence on timber imports from abroad ^[1][2]. According to Legambiente, Italy's forests are growing as a result of the abandonment of rural and mountain areas, but the pressures threatening them are increasing at the same time ^[1].

Proposals to the Government

As part of the IX Forum Foreste, Legambiente presented the Government with a package of proposals calling for forest certification of at least 25% and planning of at least 50% of woodland areas to be set by 2030, as well as a 30% cut in timber imports from abroad ^[1][2]. Other requests include territorial plans for climate mitigation and adaptation, greater controls and monitoring, protection of forest biodiversity, support for sustainable local supply chains and action against the illegal timber trade ^[1][2].

The association is also calling for the full implementation of Law 10/2013, which provides for a tree to be planted for every newborn or adopted minor and for municipal green space planning, a theme Legambiente will revisit on 21 November for National Tree Day, with the «Festa dell'Albero» (Tree Festival) campaign running from 20 to 22 November ^[1][2].

Related articles: Piedmont, Piemonte Tu

Sources

1. Incendi 2026, i dati Legambiente: in Piemonte 52 roghi e oltre 5 mila ettari persi — TorinOggi, 7 November 2026
2. Incendi boschivi, il Piemonte è tra le regioni più colpite: oltre 5 mila ettari bruciati nel 2026 — CronacaQui Torino, 7 November 2026