Strengthening Forest-related Development Cooperation through Policy and Funding Initiatives
The first session, “Forest-related development cooperation and available financial instruments for the Mediterranean”, held from 10:30 to 12:30, was jointly hosted by the Union for the Mediterranean (UfM) and the European Forest Institute, focusing on strengthening development cooperation for Mediterranean forests. A diverse panel of experts shared insights into funding structures, policy support, and regional coordination for forest sustainability, emphasising the role of cooperation across borders to ensure resilient ecosystems. Key speakers included PRIMA Program, FAO, DG NEAR, The World Bank Group, Interreg Euro-MED Programme, ENI CBC Med and Interreg NEXT MED Programmes, UfM, and IMFN.
During the session, the Interreg Euro-MED Joint Secretariat presented its funding architecture, illustrating the resources available to foster thematic projects on sustainable forest management. The IUCN Centre for Mediterranean Cooperation highlighted the role of the Natural Heritage Mission in supporting projects through its four specialised Working Groups, which foster collaboration and knowledge exchange, positioning the Natural Heritage Mission as a key stakeholder in the region’s environmental policy landscape. Our upcoming Annual Institutional Dialogue, focusing on marine and coastal restoration policies, capacity-building, and community-building activities was also introduced as an opportunity to address critical environmental issues across the Mediterranean.
Refining Criteria & Indicators for Sustainable Forest Management in the Mediterranean
In the afternoon, StrategyMedFor, one of the thematic projects under the Natural Heritage Mission, led a side event, “Shaping the Future of Mediterranean Forests”, held from 16:30 to 18:00. This event was a crucial step towards the development of a region-specific framework for sustainable forest management, focusing on adapting Criteria and Indicators (C&I) that reflect Mediterranean forest status and the unique ecological and socio-economic challenges they face. Key components of the discussion included the review of existing C&I frameworks, their adaptation to the Mediterranean context, and the use of geospatial and remote sensing tools for data collection and monitoring.
The side event saw active participation from diverse stakeholders who shared invaluable insights to help shape the C&I framework, which will support the upcoming 10-year strategy for Mediterranean forest sustainability.
Building a Sustainable Future for Mediterranean Forests
The Natural Heritage Mission’s engagement at the 8th Mediterranean Forest Week in Barcelona underscores its dedication to building capacity, driving policy support and fostering collaboration with other key programmes and initiatives working for a resilient Mediterranean nature. Through these impactful sessions, the Mission continues to connect projects with policy stakeholders, creating pathways to translate scientific insights and policy into tangible actions.
