Forestry agreements and land associations for combating land abandonment

National and regional legislation in Italy supports active forest management through forestry agreements, land associations in Lombardy and Piedmont, and funding from the EAFRD. These initiatives address land abandonment and climate risks like fires and floods. Over 60 voluntary associations have formed, enabling unified management and access to public funds. Economic sustainability relies on subsidies, with growing efforts to diversify through ecosystem services markets, including carbon certification (e.g., FSC). Targeted fire prevention, such as in Kythira post-2017, shows small annual investments in specialized teams can be effective. Integrated policies combining legal frameworks, community collaboration, and market incentives enhance climate resilience in Mediterranean forests.