Virtuous Legislation: The Royal Decree for the Sustainable Management of the Woods of Serra San Bruno, Stilo, Mongiana, and Ferdinandea
Keywords:
Economic History, Environmental History, History of the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies, Economy of Southern Italy in the Nineteenth Century
Abstract
The Saving Forests Decree of 1773, issued by Ferdinand IV of Bourbon, marked a fundamental step in the sustainable management of the forests of the Serre Calabresi. Metal mining and processing in the region dates back to ancient times, with Greek colonies exploiting local resources for tools and coins. With the arrival of the Normans, the mines became strategic and were granted to the Carthusian monks, and the Norman smelting furnace improved military production. Under Ferdinand II, the Ferdinandea foundry reached its peak, producing high-quality weapons. The Salvaboschi decree demonstrated a growing awareness of the need to balance industrial needs with environmental protection. This study analyzes the decree, examining how its provisions are in line with modern environmental protection laws. The analysis of this study focuses on the provisions of the Salvaboschi decree and their compliance with current environmental protection laws. The main objective of the decree was to implement sustainable forestry practices through regulated logging cycles to prevent deforestation and promote natural regeneration. Analysis of the law reveals its progressive nature and its conformity with modern principles of environmental conservation. This historic legislation testifies to the early recognition of the importance of sustainable resource management and the foresight of the Bourbon administration in implementing practices that would benefit both the environment and industrial development. Through the study and analysis of the rules present in the document, it was possible to make significant comparisons with the laws in force. The decree demonstrates considerable foresight in the protection of natural and forest heritage. This document represents an important step towards environmental protection, highlighting a concrete and proactive commitment to the protection of natural resources. The ability to compare existing regulations with new provisions offers a clear and in-depth perspective on legislative evolution in environmental matters, confirming the importance of regulatory updates to address contemporary ecological challenges.
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References
1. Fiorenza, E. (2019). Miniere e ferriere nel territorio dello Stilaro. Humanities, 8(15), 89-99.
2. Franco, D. (2003). Il ferro in Calabria. Reggio Calabria: Kaleidon. (p. 117)
3. Cunsolo, L. (1965). La storia di Stilo e del suo regio demanio. Roma: Gangemi Editore. (note on p. 354)
4. Franco, D. (2019). Le Reali Fabbriche del Ferro in Calabria: Tra storia e archeologia industriale. Rubbettino Editore. (p. 19)
5. Tromby, P.D.B. (MDCCLXXV). Storia Critico-Cronologica Diplomatica del Patriarca San Bruno e del suo Ordine Cartusiano, Napoli, tomo II, appendice p. LXXIII. "Diploma Donationis Monsterii, ac praediorum S. Mariae de Arfafia pro Dotatione S. Mariae de Turri a Comite Rogerio, tempore Dedicationis ejusdem Ecclesiae facta in Calabritana Eremo S. Brunonis. Ad. ann. 1094. hujus Tom.II, num. CLX."
6. Franco, D. (2019). Le Reali Fabbriche del Ferro in Calabria: Tra storia e archeologia industriale. Rubbettino Editore. (p. 22).
7. Franco, D. (2019). Le Reali Fabbriche del Ferro in Calabria: Tra storia e archeologia industriale. Rubbettino editore. (p. 76, note on p. 2).
8. Ciccolella, D. (2012). Hommes de guerre, hommes d’affaires. Filangieri, Nunziante e la politica doganale nel Regno delle Due Sicilie dopo il 1824. Storia Economica, XV (2), 411. Edizioni Scientifiche Italiane.
9. Fiorenza, E. (2023). Dalle vecchie ferriere di Stilo alla Ferdinandea: Storia, economia e produzione nelle serre calabre. Il Risparmio, 3, 51-79.
10. The Arms Factory, erected in 1852 as an integral part of the steel complex in Mongiana, played a significant role in the landscape of the arms industry in the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies. Originally conceived by the architect Domenico F. Savino, it replaced a previous structure built during the French rule in Calabria, dedicated to the production of rifle barrels. At the time of its commencement of production, the Arms Factory annually supplied the bourbon army with a considerable quantity of weapons, ranging from 2000-3000 units during regular periods and reaching peaks of 7000-8000 during periods of maximum activity. See Franco, D. (2019). Le Reali Fabbriche del Ferro in Calabria: Tra storia e archeologia industriale. Rubbettino Editore. (pp. 85-91).
11. Fiorenza, E. (2023). La creazione del villaggio siderurgico di Mongiana: I segni del lavoro. Humanities, 12(23), 68-69.
12. De Cesare, R. (2003). La fine di un Regno. Franco Di Mauro Editore, Sorrento. (p. 54).
13. Fiorenza, E. (2023). A virtuous form of work organization: the regulation of Pazzano of 1845. International Journal of Entrepreneurship, 27(Special Issue 4), 1-12.
14. Of Spanish origin, Giovan Francesco Conty served as director from 1771 to 1790 and designed the first ironworks complex in Mongiana, which became operational in 1768.
15. The Salvaboschi Decree, issued in 1773 by Ferdinand IV of Bourbon, also known as Ferdinand III of Sicily, represented a significant early initiative for the conservation of the territory and the protection of forests in the Kingdom of Naples and Sicily (followed later by Ferdinand II's Royal Decree of December 20, 1858).
16. Today's laws regarding environmental and forest protection reflect a more sophisticated and integrated approach compared to the past. While in the 18th century the Salvaboschi Decree mainly aimed to regulate tree cutting to ensure sustainable management, current laws cover a broader range of environmental issues. Nowadays, regulations emphasize the protection of forest ecosystems not only for timber resources but also for the crucial role forests play in mitigating climate change, preserving biodiversity, and ensuring air and water quality.
17. De Stefano Manno, B., & Matacena, G. (1979). Le Reali Ferriere ed Officine di Mongiana, una scoperta di Archeologia industriale: storia, condizione operaia, tecnologie di produzione, trasformazione del territorio, architettura delle più antiche ed importanti fonderie del Regno delle Due Sicilie. Storia di Napoli e della Sicilia, Società Editrice, Napoli, p. 98.
18. BNN, 63/1 - Memory on the Mongiana Establishment made by Captain Settimo by order of Mr. Major Sappel, Artillery Commander in Calabria. (n.d.). National Library of Naples (BNN), Manuscripts Section, Ms. 63/1.
19. (BSNSP) - In the decree issued in Persano on January 16, 1811, Murat, following the proposal of the Ministry of War, appointed members of the commission with specific duties: the Director of the Ironworks and Mines of Calabria Ulterior Seconda, Battalion Chief of Artillery V. Ritucci, designated as President, V. Raimondini (Mineralogist - absent for health reasons), G. Melograni (Inspector of Waters and Forests), and T. Paolotti (Engineer of Bridges and Roads). Murat's particular attention to the problem of afforestation emerges on more than one occasion: he exerted pressure on the Minister of Finance for the enactment of a comprehensive forestry law valid throughout the national territory. Reference is made to a letter dated March 18, 1809, sent by the Minister to Poerio and preserved in Ms. XXX A 8 of the Biblioteca Società Napoletana di Storia Patria (BSNSP): "The woods and forests are of particular concern to the King, who has ordered me to present him with a project for forestry organization." As a result of discussions held at the Council of State regarding this draft law, the Administration of Waters and Forests was established, and the Forest Rangers Corps was created. For further details, see: A. Valente: G. Murat and Southern Italy, Turin 1976.
20. BNN, Ms. 63/1. The Carbonile, around 1810, measured 180x60 palmi and was divided into six compartments. National Library of Naples (hereafter: BNN), manuscripts section Ms. 63/1.
21. National Library of Naples, Manuscripts Section, Ms 63/7. According to the summary table of the current condition of Mongiana in relation to the requests made by His Excellency the Ministry of War and the Navy «[...] with which an attempt is made to ascertain how long this establishment will be able to supply 60 thousand cantara of projectiles to meet the pressing needs of the service [...]».
22. (Ms 63/12, BNN) - Administrative Memorandum Budjet for 1814. National Library of Naples manuscripts section Ms 63/12."
23. (BNN, Ms 63/10) - The comparison is made between the price set for beech charcoal production and for wood splitting in the century-old forests independent of tall trees intended for the service of the Mongiana ironworks. See BNN Manuscripts Section Ms 63/10.
24. The introduction of severe and specific penalties underscores the firm determination of the military authorities to preserve the environmental integrity and sustainability of the forest resource.
25. Ritucci, V. (1819). [Letter to Mr. Mar.llo di Campo Macry, General Director of Artillery]. Archivio di Stato sezione militare Napoli (ASMN), Pizzofalcone Ms 25/31819 prot. 486.
26. ASMN, 1811. Ten. Colonnello di Art. (1811, January 4). [Letter to Mar/llo di Campo Macry, General Director of Train Corps]. ASMN Pizzofalcone, Comando Artiglieria fascio 28. From Mongiana.
27. ASMN, 27 - Ritucci, V. (Senza data). [Letter to the Mongiana Administration]. ASMN Pizzofalcone, Comando Artiglieria fascio 27.
28. Strati, S. (1960). A mani vuote. Mondadori.
29. The measurement of forests was expressed in terms of "moggio," where the moggio comprised nine hundred square steps, equivalent to seven palms and one-third each.
30. Art. 44 of Law No. 967 decreed: "The Government hammers shall be kept in a case with two keys, one to be held by the senior official of the civil administration residing in the Municipality, and the other by the Forest Inspector, or by the General Guard in the absence of the Inspector. The hammer cannot be removed without first drawing up a report, which shall be signed by the officials and the agent to whom it will be assigned. The report shall mention the purpose for which it is to be used and the instructions received on the matter from the General Directorate." For the forest regulations of 1859, see: Regulation... in the Appendix.
31. Archivio di Stato Catanzaro (ASCZ). (n.d.). Mongiana fascio 37. Regarding fires, Law No. 967 warned: "If a fire breaks out in a forest, the guards responsible for guarding the forest and the rural guards shall be required to notify the Mayors of the neighboring Municipalities, under penalty of dismissal, in addition to any penalties incurred by law. The Mayors shall convene the inhabitants at the sound of the bells, so that, provided with hoes, axes, and shovels, they may come to the aid as needed."
32. Giordano, F. (1864). Industria del ferro in Italia. Relazione dell’ingegnere Felice Giordano, per la Commissione delle Ferriere istituita dal Ministero di Marina. Torino: Tipografia Gotta e Cappellino.
33. Giordano, F. (1864). Industria del ferro in Italia. Relazione dell’ingegnere Felice Giordano, per la Commissione delle Ferriere istituita dal Ministero di Marina. Torino: Tipografia Gotta e Cappellino. (p. 306).
34. Giordano, F. (1864). Industria del ferro in Italia. Relazione dell’ingegnere Felice Giordano, per la Commissione delle Ferriere istituita dal Ministero di Marina. Torino: Tipografia Gotta e Cappellino. (pp. 306-307).
35. Giordano, F. (1864) Industria del ferro in Italia. Relazione dell’ingegnere Felice Giordano, per la Commissione delle Ferriere istituita dal Ministero di Marina. Torino: Tipografia Gotta e Cappellino. (p. 303).
36. De Stefano Manno, B., & Matacena, G. (1979). Le Reali Ferriere ed Officine di Mongiana, una scoperta di Archeologia industriale: storia, condizione operaia, tecnologie di produzione, trasformazione del territorio, architettura delle più antiche ed importanti fonderie del Regno delle Due Sicilie. Storia di Napoli e della Sicilia, Società Editrice, Napoli, 109.
37. De Stefano Manno, B., & Matacena, G. (1979). Le Reali Ferriere ed Officine di Mongiana, una scoperta di Archeologia industriale: storia, condizione operaia, tecnologie di produzione, trasformazione del territorio, architettura delle più antiche ed importanti fonderie del Regno delle Due Sicilie. Storia di Napoli e della Sicilia, Società Editrice, Napoli, 110.
38. Giordano, F. (1864) Industria del ferro in Italia. Relazione dell’ingegnere Felice Giordano, per la Commissione delle Ferriere istituita dal Ministero di Marina. Torino: Tipografia Gotta e Cappellino. (p. 303).
39. Mazza, P.F. (2021). L’ecomuseo delle ferriere e fonderie di Calabria, in Quaderni 17: Il Paesaggio nel rapporto città-campagna, Gattatico, Istituto Alcide Cervi, p. 327.
40. Regione Calabria U.O.A. “Politiche della Montagna, Foreste e Forestazione, Difesa del suolo”. (n.d.). Albo imprese forestali regolamento n. 8/2015 aggiornato al 29/06/2023, categoria A. Mongiana, Italy: Author.
41. In Mongiana, there is the headquarters of the Carabinieri Biodiversity Department (Biodiversity Protection Unit of Mongiana).
2. Franco, D. (2003). Il ferro in Calabria. Reggio Calabria: Kaleidon. (p. 117)
3. Cunsolo, L. (1965). La storia di Stilo e del suo regio demanio. Roma: Gangemi Editore. (note on p. 354)
4. Franco, D. (2019). Le Reali Fabbriche del Ferro in Calabria: Tra storia e archeologia industriale. Rubbettino Editore. (p. 19)
5. Tromby, P.D.B. (MDCCLXXV). Storia Critico-Cronologica Diplomatica del Patriarca San Bruno e del suo Ordine Cartusiano, Napoli, tomo II, appendice p. LXXIII. "Diploma Donationis Monsterii, ac praediorum S. Mariae de Arfafia pro Dotatione S. Mariae de Turri a Comite Rogerio, tempore Dedicationis ejusdem Ecclesiae facta in Calabritana Eremo S. Brunonis. Ad. ann. 1094. hujus Tom.II, num. CLX."
6. Franco, D. (2019). Le Reali Fabbriche del Ferro in Calabria: Tra storia e archeologia industriale. Rubbettino Editore. (p. 22).
7. Franco, D. (2019). Le Reali Fabbriche del Ferro in Calabria: Tra storia e archeologia industriale. Rubbettino editore. (p. 76, note on p. 2).
8. Ciccolella, D. (2012). Hommes de guerre, hommes d’affaires. Filangieri, Nunziante e la politica doganale nel Regno delle Due Sicilie dopo il 1824. Storia Economica, XV (2), 411. Edizioni Scientifiche Italiane.
9. Fiorenza, E. (2023). Dalle vecchie ferriere di Stilo alla Ferdinandea: Storia, economia e produzione nelle serre calabre. Il Risparmio, 3, 51-79.
10. The Arms Factory, erected in 1852 as an integral part of the steel complex in Mongiana, played a significant role in the landscape of the arms industry in the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies. Originally conceived by the architect Domenico F. Savino, it replaced a previous structure built during the French rule in Calabria, dedicated to the production of rifle barrels. At the time of its commencement of production, the Arms Factory annually supplied the bourbon army with a considerable quantity of weapons, ranging from 2000-3000 units during regular periods and reaching peaks of 7000-8000 during periods of maximum activity. See Franco, D. (2019). Le Reali Fabbriche del Ferro in Calabria: Tra storia e archeologia industriale. Rubbettino Editore. (pp. 85-91).
11. Fiorenza, E. (2023). La creazione del villaggio siderurgico di Mongiana: I segni del lavoro. Humanities, 12(23), 68-69.
12. De Cesare, R. (2003). La fine di un Regno. Franco Di Mauro Editore, Sorrento. (p. 54).
13. Fiorenza, E. (2023). A virtuous form of work organization: the regulation of Pazzano of 1845. International Journal of Entrepreneurship, 27(Special Issue 4), 1-12.
14. Of Spanish origin, Giovan Francesco Conty served as director from 1771 to 1790 and designed the first ironworks complex in Mongiana, which became operational in 1768.
15. The Salvaboschi Decree, issued in 1773 by Ferdinand IV of Bourbon, also known as Ferdinand III of Sicily, represented a significant early initiative for the conservation of the territory and the protection of forests in the Kingdom of Naples and Sicily (followed later by Ferdinand II's Royal Decree of December 20, 1858).
16. Today's laws regarding environmental and forest protection reflect a more sophisticated and integrated approach compared to the past. While in the 18th century the Salvaboschi Decree mainly aimed to regulate tree cutting to ensure sustainable management, current laws cover a broader range of environmental issues. Nowadays, regulations emphasize the protection of forest ecosystems not only for timber resources but also for the crucial role forests play in mitigating climate change, preserving biodiversity, and ensuring air and water quality.
17. De Stefano Manno, B., & Matacena, G. (1979). Le Reali Ferriere ed Officine di Mongiana, una scoperta di Archeologia industriale: storia, condizione operaia, tecnologie di produzione, trasformazione del territorio, architettura delle più antiche ed importanti fonderie del Regno delle Due Sicilie. Storia di Napoli e della Sicilia, Società Editrice, Napoli, p. 98.
18. BNN, 63/1 - Memory on the Mongiana Establishment made by Captain Settimo by order of Mr. Major Sappel, Artillery Commander in Calabria. (n.d.). National Library of Naples (BNN), Manuscripts Section, Ms. 63/1.
19. (BSNSP) - In the decree issued in Persano on January 16, 1811, Murat, following the proposal of the Ministry of War, appointed members of the commission with specific duties: the Director of the Ironworks and Mines of Calabria Ulterior Seconda, Battalion Chief of Artillery V. Ritucci, designated as President, V. Raimondini (Mineralogist - absent for health reasons), G. Melograni (Inspector of Waters and Forests), and T. Paolotti (Engineer of Bridges and Roads). Murat's particular attention to the problem of afforestation emerges on more than one occasion: he exerted pressure on the Minister of Finance for the enactment of a comprehensive forestry law valid throughout the national territory. Reference is made to a letter dated March 18, 1809, sent by the Minister to Poerio and preserved in Ms. XXX A 8 of the Biblioteca Società Napoletana di Storia Patria (BSNSP): "The woods and forests are of particular concern to the King, who has ordered me to present him with a project for forestry organization." As a result of discussions held at the Council of State regarding this draft law, the Administration of Waters and Forests was established, and the Forest Rangers Corps was created. For further details, see: A. Valente: G. Murat and Southern Italy, Turin 1976.
20. BNN, Ms. 63/1. The Carbonile, around 1810, measured 180x60 palmi and was divided into six compartments. National Library of Naples (hereafter: BNN), manuscripts section Ms. 63/1.
21. National Library of Naples, Manuscripts Section, Ms 63/7. According to the summary table of the current condition of Mongiana in relation to the requests made by His Excellency the Ministry of War and the Navy «[...] with which an attempt is made to ascertain how long this establishment will be able to supply 60 thousand cantara of projectiles to meet the pressing needs of the service [...]».
22. (Ms 63/12, BNN) - Administrative Memorandum Budjet for 1814. National Library of Naples manuscripts section Ms 63/12."
23. (BNN, Ms 63/10) - The comparison is made between the price set for beech charcoal production and for wood splitting in the century-old forests independent of tall trees intended for the service of the Mongiana ironworks. See BNN Manuscripts Section Ms 63/10.
24. The introduction of severe and specific penalties underscores the firm determination of the military authorities to preserve the environmental integrity and sustainability of the forest resource.
25. Ritucci, V. (1819). [Letter to Mr. Mar.llo di Campo Macry, General Director of Artillery]. Archivio di Stato sezione militare Napoli (ASMN), Pizzofalcone Ms 25/31819 prot. 486.
26. ASMN, 1811. Ten. Colonnello di Art. (1811, January 4). [Letter to Mar/llo di Campo Macry, General Director of Train Corps]. ASMN Pizzofalcone, Comando Artiglieria fascio 28. From Mongiana.
27. ASMN, 27 - Ritucci, V. (Senza data). [Letter to the Mongiana Administration]. ASMN Pizzofalcone, Comando Artiglieria fascio 27.
28. Strati, S. (1960). A mani vuote. Mondadori.
29. The measurement of forests was expressed in terms of "moggio," where the moggio comprised nine hundred square steps, equivalent to seven palms and one-third each.
30. Art. 44 of Law No. 967 decreed: "The Government hammers shall be kept in a case with two keys, one to be held by the senior official of the civil administration residing in the Municipality, and the other by the Forest Inspector, or by the General Guard in the absence of the Inspector. The hammer cannot be removed without first drawing up a report, which shall be signed by the officials and the agent to whom it will be assigned. The report shall mention the purpose for which it is to be used and the instructions received on the matter from the General Directorate." For the forest regulations of 1859, see: Regulation... in the Appendix.
31. Archivio di Stato Catanzaro (ASCZ). (n.d.). Mongiana fascio 37. Regarding fires, Law No. 967 warned: "If a fire breaks out in a forest, the guards responsible for guarding the forest and the rural guards shall be required to notify the Mayors of the neighboring Municipalities, under penalty of dismissal, in addition to any penalties incurred by law. The Mayors shall convene the inhabitants at the sound of the bells, so that, provided with hoes, axes, and shovels, they may come to the aid as needed."
32. Giordano, F. (1864). Industria del ferro in Italia. Relazione dell’ingegnere Felice Giordano, per la Commissione delle Ferriere istituita dal Ministero di Marina. Torino: Tipografia Gotta e Cappellino.
33. Giordano, F. (1864). Industria del ferro in Italia. Relazione dell’ingegnere Felice Giordano, per la Commissione delle Ferriere istituita dal Ministero di Marina. Torino: Tipografia Gotta e Cappellino. (p. 306).
34. Giordano, F. (1864). Industria del ferro in Italia. Relazione dell’ingegnere Felice Giordano, per la Commissione delle Ferriere istituita dal Ministero di Marina. Torino: Tipografia Gotta e Cappellino. (pp. 306-307).
35. Giordano, F. (1864) Industria del ferro in Italia. Relazione dell’ingegnere Felice Giordano, per la Commissione delle Ferriere istituita dal Ministero di Marina. Torino: Tipografia Gotta e Cappellino. (p. 303).
36. De Stefano Manno, B., & Matacena, G. (1979). Le Reali Ferriere ed Officine di Mongiana, una scoperta di Archeologia industriale: storia, condizione operaia, tecnologie di produzione, trasformazione del territorio, architettura delle più antiche ed importanti fonderie del Regno delle Due Sicilie. Storia di Napoli e della Sicilia, Società Editrice, Napoli, 109.
37. De Stefano Manno, B., & Matacena, G. (1979). Le Reali Ferriere ed Officine di Mongiana, una scoperta di Archeologia industriale: storia, condizione operaia, tecnologie di produzione, trasformazione del territorio, architettura delle più antiche ed importanti fonderie del Regno delle Due Sicilie. Storia di Napoli e della Sicilia, Società Editrice, Napoli, 110.
38. Giordano, F. (1864) Industria del ferro in Italia. Relazione dell’ingegnere Felice Giordano, per la Commissione delle Ferriere istituita dal Ministero di Marina. Torino: Tipografia Gotta e Cappellino. (p. 303).
39. Mazza, P.F. (2021). L’ecomuseo delle ferriere e fonderie di Calabria, in Quaderni 17: Il Paesaggio nel rapporto città-campagna, Gattatico, Istituto Alcide Cervi, p. 327.
40. Regione Calabria U.O.A. “Politiche della Montagna, Foreste e Forestazione, Difesa del suolo”. (n.d.). Albo imprese forestali regolamento n. 8/2015 aggiornato al 29/06/2023, categoria A. Mongiana, Italy: Author.
41. In Mongiana, there is the headquarters of the Carabinieri Biodiversity Department (Biodiversity Protection Unit of Mongiana).
Published
2024-07-31
How to Cite
Ghezzi, R., & Fiorenza, E. (2024). Virtuous Legislation: The Royal Decree for the Sustainable Management of the Woods of Serra San Bruno, Stilo, Mongiana, and Ferdinandea. European Scientific Journal, ESJ, 20(20), 1. https://doi.org/10.19044/esj.2024.v20n20p1
Section
ESJ Humanities
Copyright (c) 2024 Renato Ghezzi, Elia Fiorenza
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
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