Evolution and retroevolution of the agro-forestry-pastoral landscape in the Cicolano highlands (Rieti)

Abstract

This essay analyses past and present evolutionary and retro-evolutionary dynamics in agricultural, livestock, forestry, and wildlife landscapes in Cicolano highlands (Rieti). In this area, human activity left clear signs of its actions. In the mid-20th century, urbanization process led to almost total abandonment of all activities, resulting in a process of rewilding. In the 90s, Rieti and Cittaducale were hit by industrial crisis which resulted in a slow but gradual resurgence of agro-forestry-pastoral activities. The environment – which was in a clear recovery phase – experienced a new reversal of the evolutionary trend which partially restored the landscape’s former appearance, a trend that now is almost facing another halt. Based on available data and information, this essay outlines some hypotheses of how future landscape of the investigated area will be possibly configured.