The collaboration between the Air Force's Weather Service and the CFS is renewed, already active for several years in both avalanche prevention (METEOMONT) and meteorological assistance and training.
The Agreement concerns the exchange between the AM and the CFS of observed and forecast data useful for territorial safeguarding, fire prevention, avalanche forecasting and snowpack monitoring within the national territory, with significant implications for Civil Protection. The Agreement also provides for the installation of AM automatic weather stations in strategically important meteorological areas, as well as collaboration in the training of personnel within the respective administrations.
Particular emphasis is given to the METEOMONT Service, aimed at increasing safety in the mountains and in particular at monitoring meteo-snow conditions for the determination of avalanche danger, a service that the CFS carries out in collaboration with the AM Meteorological Service, through the 1st Regional Meteorological Centre of Milan Linate, and with the Italian Army's Alpine Troops Command.
The Air Force Weather Service is the only organisation ensuring the country a continuous weather monitoring service 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, all year round, through the National Centre for Aeronautics Meteorology and Climatology at Pratica di Mare, the true operational hub of AM Meteorology. This is achieved with the collaboration of other national scientific bodies (CNR, INGV, CMCC, ISPRA, etc.) as well as some regional ARPA agencies (Piedmont, Emilia Romagna, and Friuli Venezia Giulia), for a better understanding of the climate, reaching results of international significance, particularly in the Mediterranean area. In terms of weather parameter observations/measurements, the starting point for climate change studies, the Air Force Meteorological Service ensures service continuity and the collection of high-quality data, in accordance with World Meteorological Organization (WMO) standards.
Established in 1822, the State Forestry Corps is a civil law enforcement agency specialising in the protection of natural and landscape heritage, and the prevention and suppression of environmental and agri-food related crimes. The multiplicity of tasks entrusted to the Forestry Corps is rooted in a professional history dedicated to the defence of forests, which has evolved over time to encompass all activities for the safeguarding of national agri-environmental resources, and wildlife and natural heritage. The State Forestry Corps also possesses all the necessary tools to guarantee the safety of mountain dwellers and winter sports enthusiasts. Their responsibilities range from monitoring snow-covered areas and snow resources, to avalanche risk prevention, and surveillance and rescue on ski slopes.
