Key Strategies - Mediterranean Basin

© Bachir Rassouini

Natural habitats in this region are threatened by over-exploitation of forests, conversion of native vegetation to grasslands for livestock, population increase and abandonment of rural areas, especially in coastal regions. International laws provide frameworks for conservation planning and implementation in much of the Mediterranean Basin, and there is great potential for the expansion of biodiversity-based markets (such as sustainable farming and forestry).

Strategies for Conservation

Many of the efforts in the Mediterranean Basin are focused on encouraging the sustainable use and management of forests and woodlands. These forest systems, which are often economically valuable to local communities as well as containing much of the region’s biodiversity, are rapidly disappearing. For example, cork forest near Rabat in Morocco has declined in area from 100,000,000 ha to 50,000 ha and been replaced by eucalyptus and acacia trees. The World Wildlife Fund’s Mediterranean Programme Cork Oak Landscapes Landscapes project is pursuing a number of strategies for conserving cork oak forests. These include encouraging the sustainable harvest of non-timber forest products such as spices, medicinal plants, essential oils and honey, and minimizing current deforestation for fuelwood by exploring alternative sources of income.

Reducing stresses on natural systems and protected areas is particularly critical in economically disadvantaged areas where rural populations depend on local resources. The IUCN Centre for Mediterranean Cooperation’s Forest Landscape Restoration project aims to promote and conserve multi-functionality across the landscape, including agricultural land, plantations and natural forests. The project recognizes that a small protected area may not be viable on its own, but if nearby plantations are species-rich, or appropriate trees are planted in adjoining agricultural lands, biodiversity might be more likely maintained.

Enhancing the knowledge, skills and information-sharing abilities of conservation practitioners and stakeholders is a key conservation strategy in this region. WWF’s Across the Waters program features a number of training schools that address environmental priorities in the Mediterranean Basin. One example is the ITACA Responsible Tourism Training Course, which focuses on best practices in Mediterranean tourism and conservation issues. example is the ITACA Responsible Tourism Training Course, which focuses on best practices in Mediterranean tourism and conservation issues. EUROSITE is a large network of more than 80 organizations devoted to nature conservation management across Europe with a goal to exchange, enhance and promote expertise in the management of natural areas. Member organizations include public agencies, private organizations and NGOs, and represent 21 countries. Other regional efforts to foster the exchange of knowledge and experience is theis a large network of more than 80 organizations devoted to nature conservation management across Europe with a goal to exchange, enhance and promote expertise in the management of natural areas. Member organizations include public agencies, private organizations and NGOs, and represent 21 countries. Other regional efforts to foster the exchange of knowledge and experience is the International Association for Mediterranean Forests network, whose goal is to improve planning and development policies for the use and management of these natural areas.

Linked Enterprises and Livelihood Alternatives

The forces of supply and demand can be very useful in changing behaviors – and the conservation outlook. Good management and restoration practices can be centered around existing initiatives such as Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification standards which ensure that forestry and wood products meet international environmental standards. In the Mediterranean, FSC activities currently occur in Spain, France and Italy.  WWF is also working to encourage FSC principles for non-timber forest products such as cork and chestnuts. Forestry departments in Tunisia and Morocco are conducting pre-assessments and workshops for cork oak, argan and araar forests, with backing from WWF and Soil Association Woodmark. They are also engaged in promoting products from sustainably-managed cork forests, and encouraging responsible purchasing attitudes throughout the market chain, from processing industries to end consumers. On Mount Lebanon, WWF is working with the Association for Forest Development and Conservation (AFDC) to assist local herders to form a cooperative for marketing their products.