Il sistema dei Parchi Nazionali fra “vecchi” problemi e “nuovi” orizzonti

The essay stems from the renewed interest of legal scholars in the system of National Parks. In its first part, it analyses the main issues that have arisen in the application of Law No. 394/1991, in light of recent administrative case law, also with a view to a possible reform of this legislative framework. In the second part, the focus shifts to the new horizons of the system, taking into account the European guidelines on biodiversity protection contained in the EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030 and the Nature Restoration Law. The study highlights the need to strengthen, both, the quantitative and qualitative protection of protected areas, not only through legislative interventions, but through the development of a broader strategy based on a holistic approach, the enhancement of ecological connectivity, the use of digital technologies, the remuneration of ecosystem services provided by private actors, and the restoration of natural ecosystems. Conservation and restoration, indeed, represent not only ambitious challenges for biodiversity law, but also the very foundation for the enhancement of natural capital.