State of Mediterranean Forests 2018

Mediterranean forests in Europe, North Africa and the Near East are under pressure due to the combined effects of anthropogenic exploitation (fuelwood collection, overgrazing, agricultural conversion, etc.) and stress and disturbances related to climate change (drought, wildfires, pest and diseases) (see Chapter 5). At the same time, Mediterranean forest ecosystems play a key role in regional climate change mitigation, removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and storing carbon. Adjustments to forest management approaches are necessary, both to reduce the adverse effects of human and climate-induced pressures on Mediterranean forests and to enhance their role in climate change mitigation. This chapter focuses on the linkages between climate change adaptation and mitigation. In particular, it will consider the role of global and regional policies, forest management strategies and social participation in rural governance in implementing mitigation and adaptation strategies. We will consider four overarching questions: 1. What threats are Mediterranean forests facing and what is their current mitigation capacity? (Section "The mitigation role of Mediterranean forests"); 2. How can the current climate policy framework trigger mitigation and adaptation actions in Mediterranean countries? (Section "Climate policy actions in the Mediterranean region: Present and future roles"); 3. How can forest management, including the management of forest genetic resources and fire regimes, be improved to enhance the resilience of Mediterranean forests to climate change-related stress and disturbances? (Sections "Fostering adaptability by silviculture"-"Progress in wildfire management"); 4. How can the governance of Mediterranean rural landscapes interact with stakeholders to develop effective adaptation strategies? (Section "Adaptation strategies and stakeholder involvement in the Mediterranean rural landscape").