Environmental ethics and civil society in the legacy of Sandro Pignatti

Abstract

The present contribution aims to explore the epistemological and ethical implications of Sandro Pignatti’s scientific legacy, positioning his thought at the intersection of vegetation science, philosophy of nature, and environmental ethics. Sandro developed a unified perspective of nature as an interconnected whole, grounded in interdependence, intrinsic value, and epistemic humility. From an ecological standpoint, the paper analyzes his forward-looking reflections on humus, which he understood not merely as a soil component, but as a dynamic organizing principle connecting biotic and abiotic processes across multiple scales. Methodologically, the document examines his critical reflection on the epistemological limits of classical phytosociology and his innovative proposal of "micro-relevés". This approach implies a shift from a community-centred to a relation-centred perspective, building knowledge from the bottom up by analysing the direct contacts and statistical recurrence of associations around focal species. Finally, Sandro's legacy challenges the traditional separation between objective facts and values, demonstrating that ecological understanding implicitly carries ethical implications and moral responsibility. Highlighting the incompatibility between the logic of continuous economic growth and the finite nature of ecological systems, the author emphasizes the crucial role of civil society: environmental responsibility cannot be delegated solely to institutions, but requires active participation, cultural transformation, and the development of new forms of governance oriented toward long-term sustainability. Ultimately, his vision outlines a transformative ecology where environmental ethics is not an external addition to ecological science, but one of its most profound outcomes.