HERITAGE INTERPRETATION AND LANDSCAPE CHARACTER IN THE FORESTRY DISTRICT OF SERRA SAN BRUNO (CALABRIA, ITALY)

The research presented in this paper was aimed at the characterization, interpretation and valorisation of the forestry landscape in a representative mountainous region of Southern Italy, located in the centre of Calabria (Italy). The integrated valorisation of the forestry resources and landscape was proposed for the development of youth tourism experiences based on environmental education. The traditional charcoal-production sites, where many vertical mound charcoal-kilns are still present and active, were chosen as the main interpretive key of the local landscape; they were linked - logically and physically - to the other territorial signs documenting the old monastic civilization, and to the main elements of the water-wood system and industrial archaeology (watermills, old iron factories and hydroelectric power stations, etc.). On the basis of a dedicated GIS implemented for landscape resource analysis and management, a network of Heritage Trails was defined so as to emphasise and actualize the multifunctional use of the forestry land in the area. The Heritage-Trail System proposed is the starting point for the design and creation of a thematic Wood and Water Ecomuseum in the study area, thus increasing awareness and participation in landscape valorisation on the part of the local community.