The Italian Society of Ecology (S.It.E.) "has the aims of promoting both theoretical and applied ecological research, disseminating knowledge of ecology, encouraging the development of cultural interchange amongst researchers, and facilitating national and international cooperation. To attain these aims, the Society operates through its working groups, ordinary and extraordinary assemblies, congresses, symposia, and publications, cooperating also with national and international organisations" (Statutes of the Society, art. 2).

S.It.E. is affiliated to the European Ecological Federation (EEF) and International Association for Ecology (INTECOL).

The Society numbers 735 active members. The majority of the members are University researchers and students or researchers with the CNR (Research National Council). However, the Society also includes members from a wide range of other bodies like government technicians and employees (national, regional and local levels), members of environmental protection agencies (governmental, private and amateur associations and societies), professional ecologists in commercial industries, teachers in the field of environmental education.