Scientific Tools and Research Needs for Multifunctional Mediterranean Forest Ecosystem Management

Joensuu

2007

140 S.

Bandaufführung

143121

The Mediterranean basin constitutes a unique mosaic of terrestrial, freshwater and marine ecosystems, as a result of a distinct regional climate imprinted on a dynamic topography. Mediterranean forest ecosystems provide multiple wood and non-wood forest products and services which are crucial for the socio-economic development of rural areas as well as for the welfare of the urban areas of the Mediterranean region. Mediterranean forests require special attention due to several questions: (i) They constitute a unique world natural heritage and play a key role in the welfare of urban and rural Mediterranean societies. The goods and services that they produce are very diverse (multi-functionality) and have a great market (many non-wood products) and non-market value (externalities). (ii) They represent an exceptional richness in terms of biodiversity. (iii) They are very vulnerable to numerous factors: forest fires, over-exploitation, degradation and desertification. (iv) Their conservation and management affects the availability of soil and water resources, this last one being a key strategie resource for Mediterranean societies. (v) Their future (as being in a transitional zone) is seriously endangered by climate change. The Seminar "Scientific Tools And Research Needs For Multifunctional Mediterranean Forest Ecosystem Management" was organized in Solsona, Spain on November 27-28,2006. The seminar brought together Mediterranean scientists from several disciplines to discuss and present new techniques, tools and results that can provide solutions to the complex Mediterranean forest ecosystem management problems.