The Club Alpino Italiano and the defence of the environment, from the foundation (1863) to the present time

International audience; The Club Alpino Italiano (CAI) was founded in Turin in 1863 and since the origins was very active in reforestation campaigns, favouring and creating the protection of the alpine flora and fauna, the development of craftsmanship and little mountain factories, the regulation of water streams, the development of mountain agriculture. During the fascist period, the references were opposing: on the one hand, the article in the monthly CAI magazine acclaimed the off-road performance of Fiat Balilla, but on the other hand, the CAI despite being the regime friendly association, protested against the construction of roads and hotels in the Breuil Basin, on the Italian side of Mount Cervino. In the same years, CAI supported the policy of foundation and development of National Parks. In the 50’s and 60’s, in front of strong development of tourism infrastructures and facilities for the winter sports CAI expressed its negative opinion about the construction of cable cars. In the early 80’s, CAI took part in some protest against the development of uranium mines and at a later time was also involved in protesting against marble extraction plans in the Apuan Alps.