Traditional General Ecology is often limiting, with concepts like "ecosystem" remaining ambiguous (O'Neil et al., 1986). Critics argue that ecology is merely a tool for environmental management—addressed by administrators, engineers, and other professionals—rather than a branch of biology focused on meso and micro-scale phenomena.
However, life’s complexity cannot be confined to micro-scales alone. Alterations at macro-scales can impact human health just as significantly. The rise of epigenetics highlights the crucial interplay between large and small scales, revealing their unexpected complementarity.
Health and disease are influenced by the entire organization of life. Thus, biology must encompass macro-scales, exploring their structures, processes, and their role in health. This is the field of Bionomy, which emphasizes the intricate link between environmental changes and health, extending beyond pollution and pandemics.
To truly enhance health, it’s imperative to understand the processes that connect the environment and health. Evaluating the bionomic state of landscapes and the biological structures that support human life is essential. This book delves into these processes, offering insights into the complex systems that govern our well-being.

Dr. VITTORIO INGEGNOLI, graduated in Architecture at the Polytechnic of Milan in 1967 and in Natural Sciences at the University of Milan (1995).
He was a adjunct professor of Landscape Ecology at the Universities of Genoa, Camerino (1981-2005) and Milan (1993-2016, Dep. of Biology). Today he works as a freelancer and visiting professor at the Department of Biomedical, Surgical & Dental Sciences, One-Health Unit, of UNIMI, with Teaching Service at the “Global Health Master” University of Milan.
He is a Member of PHA (Planetary Health Alliance, Harvard University) and SIPNEI (Psychoneuroendocrinoimmunology), Rome. He is also the founder of Landscape Bionomics and a member of the Scientific Committee of IAIA Italia (International Ass. for Impact Assessment) and of the Experts of the Central Scientific Committee of CAI (Italian Alpine Club). His scientific interests are in theory and applications in Landscape Bionomics; Systemic Forestry and Bioecological Efficiency of natural and anthropic Vegetation; and the relationships between multi-scalar environmental alteration of agrarian and urban landscapes and human health.