In an interview on the Catalan podcast Sàbia Verda, led by journalist and environmental communicator Inma Ranera and broadcast by Ràdio Arenys, EFI Mediterranean (EFIMED) Team Leader Magda Bou Dagher Kharrat discussed the growing pressures facing Mediterranean forests in the context of climate change. A professor at Saint Joseph University of Beirut and leader of EFIMED, she drew on her academic and professional experience to outline the complex mix of risks and opportunities shaping the region’s forests.
During the conversation, she emphasised the vital role of the European Forest Institute as a bridge between science and policy, ensuring that research findings are translated into practical action, while also underlining the urgency of applying scientific knowledge on the ground to support decision-making and strengthen forest resilience.
A unique but fragile ecosystem
Magda Bou Dagher Kharrat also explained what makes Mediterranean ecosystems unique, pointing not only to their rich biodiversity but also to their increasing vulnerability to climate change. A key theme was the concept of the Mediterranean “mosaic landscape”, where forests, agriculture and human activities coexist. This balance, she noted, has been shaped over thousands of years and remains essential for maintaining healthy ecosystems.
However, rural abandonment is disrupting this long-standing balance. As people leave the land, forests expand unchecked, leading to the accumulation of biomass and a significant increase in the risk of large-scale wildfires. Supporting rural communities, she argued, is therefore central to effective forest management.
From dialogue to action
The interview also touched on the recent EFI Mediterranean Network Forum 2026 held in Valencia, where researchers, policymakers and private sector representatives met to discuss practical solutions. Among the highlights was renewed interest in resilient species such as the carob tree, recognised for both its ecological and economic potential.
In closing, the EFIMED Team Leader encouraged citizens to adopt more sustainable consumption habits, particularly by supporting local products and rural economies. Her message was clear: “Everything is connected.” Protecting forests depends not only on policy and science, but also on the everyday choices we make.
A timely and thought-provoking conversation that sheds light on the future of Mediterranean landscapes and the role we all play in shaping them.
Main topics discussed
- The role of EFI in connecting science, policy, and practice
- Climate change impacts on Mediterranean forests
- Biodiversity and forest genetic resources
- The Mediterranean “mosaic landscape”
- Rural abandonment and wildfire risks
- The EFI Mediterranean Network Forum 2026 in Valencia
- The potential of resilient species such as the carob tree
- The role of citizens through sustainable consumption
The interview below opens with a brief introduction in Catalan, with the English conversation starting at 02:57.
The interview is also available as a podcast here (full version in Catalan).
