The RECRUIT project (Evaluation of Nature-based Approaches for the Sustainable Management of Protective Forests and the Protection of Mountain Catchments) was developed within the iNEST innovation ecosystem, with the aim of studying and implementing innovative approaches for the management of alpine protective forests. This project responds to the growing need to manage hydrogeological risks and to mitigate the effects of natural events, such as windthrows, on mountain catchments. This study was funded by the European Union - NextGenerationEU, in the framework of the iNEST - Interconnected Nord-Est Innovation Ecosystem (PNRR M4C2/I.5, iNEST ECS00000043 – CUP C43C22000340006). The views and opinions expressed are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union, nor can the European Union be held responsible for them. The report was developed as part of the activities carried out by Spoke 1, Sector 1B.04 (Promoting one-health strategies focusing on understanding and mitigation of geo-hydrological risks)