Forest management has been conventionally based on two paradigms: (i) perpetuity of the forest based on the equilibrium between standing volume, standing volume increment and allowable cut; (ii) constrained optimisation of commodities (marketable or not). The latter, basically output-oriented, paradigm, has favoured simplifications of forest ecosystem structure and composition. The development of applied ecology has highlighted how dangerous such simplifications are for the ecosystems' functionality. In this perspective forest management on a natural basis is gaining growing recognition. Fundamental modifications of foresters' attitudes are required. Forest ecosysterns need to be perceived as entities with an intrinsic value and as complex, self-regulating, dynamically changing systems. A holistic and synthetic approach is required. Abandoning the strategy of forest normalisation, an adaptive management approach is needed to frame operational practices. This paper discusses: (i) the possible development of the theory of forest management on natural bases, and associated methodological fundamentals; (ii) the main guidelines for technical implementation of the proposed concepts; and (iii) case studies of Italian situations.