Medforval, the Network of Mediterranean Forests of High Ecological Value has just been relaunched. Eighteen forest areas joined forces to preserve the high ecological value of their ecosystems, necessary for the survival of all.
Mediterranean forests are sensitive ecosystems, threatened by climate change and human activities. Landslides, storms, droughts, erosion, grazing, agriculture, fires and overexploitation put these areas at risk – but forests can significantly contribute to biodiversity protection and resilience during climate crises. Medforval, a network funded by the MAVA Foundation, solves these urgent problems by bringing together different actors, sharing knowledge and good practices.
Strengthening cooperation among forest actors in the Mediterranean basin is the key to real changes. This is the belief that will guide the members of the network for the next 12 months under the coordination of Istituto Oikos, a non-governmental organization based in Milan, Italy. In the current phase 2019-2020, under the label “Relaunch of Medforval”, cooperation and exchange of good practices among the members of the Network will be ensured as a continuation of the work done in 2015-2018, under the previous coordination of the AIFM (Association Internationale Forêts Méditerranéeennes). Eighteen forest areas will also work to foster the sustainability of the Network through fundraising and active contributions from all members.
The second phase officially started in May 2019, culminating in a meeting held in Milan, Italy on September 23-26, when 16 of the 18 area representatives met to exchange ideas and define strategies for the next steps – with the common goal of protecting , management and restoration of Mediterranean forests of high ecological value.
“With such a competent network – says Serena Arduino, coordinator of Medforval – we are optimistic for the coming year. The network is restarted with energy. The first goal is to raise funds and understand how to present the role of Mediterranean forests and how to manage and protect them more effectively. “
The Medforval network currently includes 18 regions from 12 Mediterranean countries: Ermenek-Konya (Turkey), Guadiana (Portugal), Köprülü (Turkey), La Massane (France), Livanjsko Polje (Bosnia and Herzegovina), Luberon-Lure (France), Monte Arcosu (Italy), Poblet (Spain), Prespa (Greece), Prokletije (Montenegro), Samaria (Greece), Jordan Park Park Jordan (Jordan), Shouf (Lebanon), Sierra de las Nieves (Spain), Sirente-Velino (Italy) ), Talassemtane (Morocco), Valle del Ticino (Italy), Zaghouan (Tunisia).
A member of the network for Montenegro is the non-governmental organization Green Home.