Models from the Mediterranean region to build resilient ecosystems in forest restoration

The Twenty-Sixth Session of the Near East Forestry and Range Commission (NEFRC) was held from 10 to 13 September 2023 in Amman, Jordan, jointly with the Third Session of the Committee on Forestry (COFO) Working Group on Dryland Forests and Agrosilvopastoral Systems. 

In conjunction with the Twenty-Sixth Session of the NEFRC, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) organized the Fifth Near East Forestry Week.  

Participants at the Fifth Near East Forestry Week discussed emerging topics of relevance to forestry and rangelands in the Near East region. Novel country and regional experiences were shared on several topics, such as sustainable management of natural resources, developing value chains for forest and pastoral products, and socioeconomic empowerment of local and vulnerable communities in silvopastoral ecosystems. FAO also led several technical workshops and meetings. 

For example, the Committee on Mediterranean Forestry Questions, Silva Mediterranea, organized the workshop entitled “Restoration Initiatives in the Mediterranean Region: the Flagship Programme under the United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration and Other Initiatives.” 

In March 2022, Silva Mediterranea applied for the Mediterranean region to be recognized as a World Restoration Flagship under the United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration 2021–2030, for the restoration progress that has been achieved in the geographic area. The region was successfully shortlisted to receive this flagship status. The Mediterranean flagship focuses on a collection of effective post-fire restoration practices established in the Mediterranean region, which provide a knowledge-sharing and learning opportunity for all stakeholders dealing with wildfire management. 

During the workshop, panellists from the four countries, namely Morocco, Tunisia, Lebanon and Türkiye, that endorsed the submission of the flagship for the Mediterranea region, highlighted successful restoration case studies of degraded forest ecosystems. These included examples of post-fire practices and other initiatives designed as nature-based solutions that have the potential to build resilience and increase income generation for local stakeholders. 

Lebanon presented the results of a post-fire restoration approach, which included remote and proximal sensing coupled with field reports to assess fire behaviour and predict post-fire degradation processes. Restoration techniques aiming to assist vegetation recovery, reduce soil erosion and preserve soil fertility included leaving ash, burned debris and leaf litter on the forest floor. Leaving organic and inorganic matter on the soil serves as a tool to reduce the loss of nutrients that were present in the ecosystem before the wildfire, which also increases fertility. 

Morocco presented the main results of the Moroccan component of an International Climate Initiative (IKI) project, “The Paris Agreement in Action,” focusing on activities in the Maâmora Forest to regenerate the cork oak ecosystem, and develop new truffle value chains with enhanced engagement of local communities. 

Tunisia presented several restoration models that aim to boost the local economy and improve livelihoods, fostering active participation by local communities. The livelihoods of many communities in forest areas in Tunisia rely on the resources of those forests, for example for pasturing. Effective forest restoration, however, requires banning or limiting livestock grazing in newly forested areas. These models thus incorporate a local livelihoods support component and encourage alternative income-generating activities to lessen the burden on forest resources. 

Türkiye presented examples of extensive post-fire restoration including rehabilitation of burnt areas and establishment of fire-resistant forests, by creating buffer zones and establishing native, less flammable broadleaf plants.  

The workshop thus showcased successful case studies of degraded forest ecosystem restoration in the Mediterranean region. It is hoped that these will inspire other Mediterranean countries to undertake restoration interventions as nature-based solutions that can build resilience and generate income for local stakeholders. 

This collection of effective good practices in post-fire restoration in the Mediterranean region in the context of the Mediterranean flagship initiative, provides a knowledge-sharing and learning opportunity for all stakeholders dealing with wildfire management in the region. It will also contribute to building the political will necessary to redouble joint restoration efforts across the region and increase the resilience of more landscapes vulnerable to wildfire risk. 

Giovanbattista de Dato (FAO)