News

New Partnership for Mediterranean forests launched at the Second Mediterranean Forest Week in Avignon, France

06.04.2011

FAO is part of the new Partnership for Mediterranean forests launched at the Second Mediterranean Forest Week in Avignon, France (5-8 April 2011). Mediterranean forests play a key role for the socio-economic development of the region and they suffer from major threats such as severe wildfires, which are exacerbated by the impact of climate change. Agricultural expansion, tourism, urban development and other land use practices are also contributing to significant forest losses. The new Partnership, primarily focused on six Mediterranean countries (Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Syria, Lebanon and Turkey), is intended to integrate national policies and investments, create a joint regional approach and promote local practices for sustainable forest management.