I parchi nel terzo millenio. Ragioni e necessita delle aree protette. 2005. col. photogr. 233 p. gr8vo. Hardcover.

The book is divided into three parts: The first provides the historical background of Italy's Park system, beginning with the two first NationalParks founded in 1922 on the model of the Yellowstone National Park inthe US. In its 7 chapters this part stands for the founding fathers' perspective, aptly summarised by L. Piccioni's review and outlook. Afterthe unproductive centralistic park administration instituted by the fascistic regime in 1933, the idea of parks made slow progress until1970, went through an explosive expansion thereafter, but today is in urgent need of stabilisation and reinforcement if the park network is to survive intact. The second part sets off with an impressive series of national park sceneries from all continents, enticing pictures showing nature at its best. The ten chapters that follow describe the multiple facetes of protected natural spaces. The third part is devoted to the special case of marine areas under protection.