A green spot, the entrance to the forest greeted by white firs, towering turkey oaks, false cypresses and, above all, the staff of the State Forestry Corps who, with passion and kindness, guide through the paths of this natural heritage.
The Collemeluccio-Montedimezzo Reserve, located in Upper Molise, covers an area of 637 hectares and is one of the first Italian examples of a protected area recognized by UNESCO. Established in 1977 together with the Circeo National Park, it is part of UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere (MAB) program, aimed at promoting a balance between human development and biodiversity conservation.
The reserve’s forests boast a history dating back thousands of years: from the Angevins in the 13th century, to the Carthusian monks, to the Bourbons, who proclaimed it a Royal Hunting Reserve in 1825. After the Unification of Italy, in 1908, it came under the protection of the Forestry Administration. A succession of eras and managements that have left the naturalistic value of the area intact.
Today the reserve involves seven municipalities – Carovilli, Chiauci, Pescolanciano, Pietrabbondante, Roccasicura, San Pietro Avellana and Vastogirardi – united in the Asso MAB Alto Molise Consortium. This area holds authentic agro-silvo-pastoral traditions, with excellences such as artisanal cheeses and the prized Molise truffle, called the “vegetable diamond.”
The high altitude, from 925 to 1284 meters above sea level, ensures optimal conditions for outdoor activities and coolness even in summer. In addition to the nature museum, which is accessible to all thanks to the absence of architectural barriers, it is also possible to visit a large wildlife area dedicated to wildlife recovery. Visitors can also independently walk along well-marked trails that are ideal for hiking or mountain biking.
The reserve is now preparing for a new UNESCO nomination for expansion to further enhance sustainable activities and local economies. In addition to nature trails, the reserve also offers a nature museum that tells the story of the local forests and wildlife.