PRESENTED ON THE OCCASION OF TERRA MADRE SALONE DEL GUSTO, ONE OF THE MOST SIGNIFICANT INTERNATIONAL EVENTS DEDICATED TO FOOD AND THE ENVIRONMENT. ORGANIZED BY SLOW FOOD, “THE FOREST WORKSHOP” IT REPRESENTS AN INVITATION TO DISCOVER THE COUNTLESS RESOURCES THAT NATURE, PARTICULARLY THE FOREST, CAN OFFER
The Forest workshop at the Salone del Gusto in Turin
In recent days, Turin hosted a new edition of Terra Madre Salone del Gustothe famous international event organized by Slow Foodwhich brings together producers, experts and enthusiasts of sustainable food from all over the world.
This festival, held every two years, has become an unmissable event for those who wish to reflect on central issues such as biodiversity, environmental protection and food sustainability.
Among the numerous initiatives proposed, particular attention was paid to the presentation of the book “The forest shop”a guide that explores the hidden treasures of the forests, edited by Giuseppe Bonanno e Alberto Pauletto.
Published by Altreconomiathe volume aims to raise readers’ awareness of theimportance of forestsnot only as an ecological resource, but also as an inexhaustible source of food products and precious materials.
In this context, they highlight the importance of certification FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) as a key tool to ensure responsible and sustainable forest management. What are we talking about?
FSC certification
FSC is an international recognition that certifies that wood and non-wood products come from sustainably managed forests. Founded in 1993, the organization promotes practices that preserve critical habitats for flora and fauna to help maintain biological diversity.
Certified forests are in fact managed in such a way as to avoid deforestation and degradation of natural habitats. Furthermore, it allows producers to access markets that value sustainability, ensuring fair prices and commercial opportunities. This not only helps local businesses thrive, but also supports sustainable job creation.
FSC also places a strong emphasis on respecting the rights of indigenous peoples and local communities. Management practices must ensure the involvement of communities in the planning and management of forest resources, ensuring that they directly benefit from economic activities.
Finally, certification helps educate consumers on the importance of sustainable forest management, encouraging informed choices. As for certified products, they are recognizable thanks to the FSC brand, which informs consumers about the origin and sustainability of the resources.
It ultimately implies an integrated approach, in which biodiversity conservation is closely linked to economic activities.
This balance is fundamental: on the one hand, forests must provide resources for communities and industry; on the other hand, it is essential to ensure that these resources are exploited without compromising the health of ecosystems. But let’s get back to the book.
Terra Madre and the importance of forests
In the context of Terra Madre Salone del Gusto, the volume was presented as an integral part of a broader reflection on the interconnection between nature and food. The event, known for its ability to spark debate on ethical agriculture and natural heritage conservation, was the ideal stage to promote the concept that without forests there would be no food. Forests are in fact a true natural pantry, capable of providing foods and materials of the highest value if managed with respect and care.
The motto that accompanied the presentation of the book, “Without forests there is no food. Without forests there are no communities“, highlights how the disappearance of forest areas would put at risk not only the ecological balance, but also the survival of the human communities that depend on them for their livelihood.
A wealth of non-timber forest resources
One of the most interesting aspects covered in the book is the discovery of the so-called non-timber forest products. This category of resources includes everything that forests can offer, except wood and paper.
Among these products we find gastronomic excellences such as mushrooms, truffles, chestnuts, nuts, wild herbs, berries and berries. But it’s not just about food: forests are also a source of precious raw materials such as cork, resins, manna and different types of plant exudates.
The latter are secretions produced by plants in response to environmental stimuli, such as wounds, stress or infections. Among these, resins, viscous and aromatic fluids, emitted by trees such as pines and firs as a defense mechanism against insects and diseases, are the most common.
Latex, a white, milky substance present in some plants, such as rubber, which acts as a barrier against predators and pathogens. Rubber, similarly, represents another example of a sticky substance created as a defensive response, useful for sealing wounds and preventing infections.
Another fascinating exudate is manna, a sweet and nutritious substance that originates from organisms such as the ash tree, as a result of the breakdown of the plant’s cells. Furthermore, there are juices and lymphs, nutrient-rich fluids released in reaction to external events, which contain essential sugars and minerals.
A vital resource for communities
Non-timber forest products constitute an important source of livelihood for local communities.
Furthermore, they also play a significant role in several sectors, including cosmetics, traditional medicine and handicrafts.
The sustainable management of these resources is therefore fundamental to maintaining the balance of the forest ecosystem. Through the guidelines and practices promoted by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), it can be guaranteed that the collection and use of these products is done in an environmentally friendly manner. This implies not only a responsible approach to harvesting, but also the planning of economic activities in order to preserve biodiversity and protect natural habitats.
Tradition and innovation
The “forest shop” it does not limit itself to describing the natural richness of the woods, but invites the reader to embark on a journey through forests and traditions. The volume offers itineraries to explore the Italian woods, suggesting popular festivals and celebrations linked to the forestry world, traditional recipes that use undergrowth products and visits to ecomuseums, spaces dedicated to the conservation of local traditions. Through these proposals, Bonanno and Pauletto intend to promote sustainable and aware tourism, capable of enhancing natural resources without exploiting them irresponsibly.
The book also represents a tribute to the farmers and artisans who work in harmony with the forests, using production methods that respect natural cycles and promote the local economy. These communities, which have been able to keep alive ancient knowledge and traditions linked to forest management, play a fundamental role in protecting the environment and transmitting knowledge that risks being lost.
A manifesto for sustainability
Ultimately, “The forest shop” it’s not just a cookbook or harvesting manual; it is a real manifesto for sustainability. It promotes conscious and responsible tourism, inviting readers and visitors to the forests to respect the environment, to understand the importance of every single natural element and to practice harvesting with criteria and moderation. The forestsas Bonanno reminds us, are not infinite and their balance is fragile: every gesture counts.
In a historical moment in which the climate change and the deforestation are putting the world’s ecosystems to the test, the message of this initiative is more relevant than ever. “Without forests, there is no future for humanity.”