Management of ecclesiastical institutions' forest resources: an exploratory investigation

The purpose of this work is make an objective analysis of the already existing and recognized sacred natural sites in the various areas of the world, as well as identify in the management of the ecclesial heritage the virtuous examples of active exploitation of agricultural and forestry properties, with social inclusion and economic and environmental sustainability. Starting from an exploratory study of worldwide sacred sites, the work analyzes the multicultural European situation and ends with a focus on how the Vatican and all the Italian dioceses, orders and congregations manage lots of green areas, places of worship surrounded by the natural environment and forestry surfaces.