Today, we publish this interesting article which investigates and proposes challenges and solutions aimed to enhance the role of the forests as sustainable drivers of economic activity in the Mediterranean region. This research has been made possible through a partnership among different organisations such as UICN, UNDP, WWF, NGO’s, other International Cooperation Agencies and the participation of Algeria, Morocco, Lebanon, Syria, Tunisia and Turkey, working together on this topic.
Furthermore, the multiple economic values of the forests and its direct or indirect contribution to the green economy as well as activities and tourism management plans applied to those ecosystems are analysed in this article.
The main goal is not only to emphasise known values like biodiversity conservation or adaptations to climate change, but also to promote the contribution of forests to the economy through employment generation and use of low carbon technologies ecosystems services.
Concrete cases in different economic sectors are studied. Some examples are the rural areas development,such as the Argan forests in Morocco, the Cork oak in Tunisia and the Pine honey in Turkey, and the medicinal plants growing associated to the local culture. Moreover, fair trade, environmental certification and ecotourism strategies are other sources of environmental friendly economy. Finally, it is pointed out the opportunities for projects funding and the clean development mechanisms aimed to the low carbon emissions.
The Forests in the Mediterranean region are much more important than what official statistics show. lastly, this study concludes with some recommendations to carry out a strategic marketing plan to be applied to promote the uses and sustainable management in the forests.
To learn more: Contribution of forests to a green economy in MENA
This post is available in: English Español