Open comparison
“Promoted by Confagricoltura and CIA – Italian Farmers L'Aquila Teramo, in the presence of the Vice President and Councillor for Agriculture Emanuele Imprudente, a discussion between science, parks, institutions and territory was held on 8 April in Sulmona on deer managementThe meeting was attended by leading scholars and experts in wildlife and environmental science: Francesco Riga of ISPRA, ethologist Sandro Lovari, former full professor at the University of Siena, Stefano Mattioli, member of the Deer Specialist Group of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), and Marco Apollonio, full professor of zoology at the University of Sassari. Also speaking were park directors Luciano Sammarone of the Abruzzo, Lazio, and Molise National Park, Luciano Di Martino of the Maiella National Park, Patrizio Schiazza, Commissioner of the Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga National Park, and Igino Chiuchiarelli of the Sirente-Velino Regional Park.
Uncontrolled proliferation
The scientific reports by distinguished scholars presented to regional representatives, to the mayors representing the municipalities of Sulmona and Introdacqua, and to a large audience of farmers, ranchers, and representatives of several environmental associations, demonstrated one clear and unequivocal conclusion: the uncontrolled proliferation of deer in Abruzzo, and especially in the province of L'Aquila, is completely out of control, solely due to a lackadaisical and omission-based policy. The negative impact on the ecosystem, even before the agricultural economy and humankind, is already evident and is causing significant harm to the entire mountainous region, including the protected fauna of the parks, by compromising pastures. Chamois, roe deer, and bears have become endangered species precisely because of the strong competitive pressure from non-native deer, whose population is growing at a rate of between 20% and 35% annually. On these issues, the Park Directors unanimously agreed, declaring their readiness to collaborate closely with the institutions to ensure the deer's presence is sustainable. In particular, Sirente Velino Park Director Chiuchiarelli outlined all the work done to support the initial approach to hunting containment of the species, including within the Park. This work, however, has been thwarted by legal action against the culling of excess deer.
Alarming figures
Regarding the legal actions taken by several environmental associations against the Region, the distinguished speakers were shocked by the unrealistic and unworkable "alternative" proposals, lacking any scientific basis whatsoever. The organizations Confagricoltura L'Aquila and CIA L'Aquila-Teramo condemned the grave responsibility of a helpless and omissive policy that, despite the alarming data long since confirmed and consolidated, continues to procrastinate, postponing the adoption of those fundamentally necessary, albeit already belated, decisions regarding selective culling. They further denounced that, purely for a reckless question of political and media expediency, the containment effort for 2026 will be limited to a mere semblance of control, which, according to the scientific analysis, is entirely ineffective. In fact, in the absence of a structured selective culling plan, there is no alternative that can truly impact population dynamics.
Sterile demagogy
The cowardly attitude of those who, through their governance, should be ensuring the protection of human labor and, even more so, the safety of individuals, stems from their inability to make decisions that some opponents might consider radical. These decisions, driven solely by sterile demagoguery favoring a few, remain indifferent to the damage to the ecosystem as a whole, to people, and to the economy of an entire region. The alarm raised by Confagricoltura and CIA is obviously aimed at protecting the jobs of their members. Agricultural businesses are at the end of their tether. This phenomenon takes on even greater significance today in light of the development model on which Abruzzo has focused: a production system based on the valorization of local products, yet at risk of being left without raw materials. This is where the most obvious contradiction emerges: while investments are being made in the economy of parks and reserves, in wine tourism, in local experiences, and in the narration of local excellence, the very products that should be described and tasted are being destroyed in the fields. Heritage-based grain crops, fodder crops for the few remaining local livestock farms, vineyards, and valuable crops are increasingly exposed to damage caused by wildlife, with a direct impact on Abruzzo's economy and image.
Security risk
"It is no longer tolerable to witness this inaction," the agricultural organizations denounce. "While politicians procrastinate, businesses close and citizens risk their lives on the roads. This is a specific responsibility, one that the regional government must shoulder without considering the opposition forces that are implementing deer hunting restrictions in the regions of Tuscany, Emilia-Romagna, Marche, and Umbria." Indeed, the problem raised by the two trade associations promoting the event aimed at exploring such a crucial issue concerns not only crops but also road accidents involving wild animals, which are disproportionately high when considered in relation to the fundamental importance of human life, posing increasingly serious risks to public safety. Confagricoltura and CIA are even more vehemently calling on the Abruzzo Region to immediately change course, reminding it of its responsibilities and urgently implementing established tools, which have already been adopted in numerous Italian regions, including neighboring ones, as well as throughout the rest of Europe. What is urgently needed are concrete actions, clear timelines, and clear assumptions of responsibility.
It's already too late
The agricultural sector is not giving up and is ready to deploy any necessary measures to defend its work. In the meantime, however, it is addressing an open question to all politicians in the Abruzzo Region, confidently awaiting a swift response from the latter, communicated in the same manner: "Even if they were to turn a deaf ear to the farmers' pleas for help, deeming the sweat expended in the fields unworthy of consideration, how will they intend to respond to the next road accident, even if it were just one, after having knowingly determined to refuse to adopt the measures that could have prevented it?" Therefore, will those tasked with governing today also find the courage to do so based on the basic and founding principles of good pater familias? Because it is already too late..."
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