Join the 8th Mediterranean Forest Week webinar series

After a short introduction on the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework by the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity, three initiatives focused on the human dimension of forest biodiversity conservation will be presented, exploring the potential of involving women, youth and local communities. Kaouthar Aouane (manager of Talasemtane National Parc in Morocco) and Ahjam Abdellah (coordinator of the Moroccan RARBA-TIZNIT project) will present two successful case studies of community and women’s engagement in the management of the Talassemtane National Park and argan forests in Morocco. Finally, Marion Douchin (RESCOM project), will present the Mediterranean Biodiversity Consortium and its restoration efforts that also support local communities.

A brief introduction to the IUCN standard for Nature Based Solutions will be followed by three European projects that explore the potential of ecosystem services to improve the protection of Mediterranean forests’ biodiversity. With Teresa Baiges Zapater (Catalonian Government) and Lucio Brotto (ETIFOR), we will explore successful and innovative examples about the potential of valuing ecosystem services. Gain insights on how to reach public and private partnerships and identify additional incentives to protect forests and provide supplementary support for forest managers.

This webinar, organised in collaboration with the Green Deal H2020 FIRE-RES project, highlights initiatives targeting fire-resilient territories. The webinar will present relevant aspects related to wildfire management for subsequent discussion during the 8MFW Session 4, Wildfire prevention and post-fire restoration.

The impacts of climate change in the Mediterranean region are particularly severe, jeopardising essential ecosystem services such as biodiversity and carbon storage. In this webinar, we will explore both the challenges and opportunities associated with adaptive management, placing a special emphasis on assisted migration as a key strategy to bolster forest resilience. Our discussion will feature the first continent-wide analysis of assisted migration in European forests, highlighting patterns of local adaptation in crucial tree species.

Furthermore, we will delve into the complexities of selecting the appropriate tree species for planting—a task that is far from trivial and necessitates careful consideration of numerous interdependent factors. Addressing these aspects is vital for sustaining the Mediterranean forest carbon sink in the face of future climate scenarios.

Mediterranean cities are struggling with complex and interconnected challenges related to the consequences of climate change, biodiversity loss, and degradation of natural resources. In response to these pressing issues, there is a growing recognition of the vital role played by urban forests and green spaces; local governments, planners, city managers, and civil society are increasingly acknowledging their significance. Cities need to rethink their green spaces and their relationship with nature and people, embracing transformational change to create liveable and resilient environments. Various initiatives and policies in Europe and beyond call for creative and interdisciplinary approaches to engage society on a transformative path towards more green, sustainable, accessible, inclusive, and healthy living spaces. Cities as carbon sinks, planning for urban biodiversity, and implementing environmental justice are some of the key elements to accelerate innovation and inspire urban transformation.

This webinar will present four approaches to forest conservation, from the scientific, applied and communication perspectives. With Lorena Gomez (IRNASE-CSIC, Spanish National Research Centre) we will understand how the microbial diversity of both plants and soil can support healthy forests. Yildiray Lise (DKM Nature Conservation Centre – Türkiye) will present a Turkish approach in managed forests, and Serena Corezzola (DREAM Italia) will present the GoProForMED project, which aims to establish a transnational conservation strategy with close-to-nature models. Finally, with Leila Rossa Mouawad (American University of Beirut) we will discuss the power of communication in forestry and how it can be used to boost conservation effectiveness.