From 9 to 11 September 2025, the StrategyMedFor consortium gathered in Samaria National Park, Crete (Greece), for a three-day field visit dedicated to advancing the development of the Strategy for the Sustainable Management of Mediterranean Forests (SSMMF).
Hosted by CIHEAM-MAICh and the Management Unit of Samaria National Park, the visit brought together project partners, forest managers and technical experts to review ongoing work, exchange knowledge, and assess innovative tools and methodologies directly in the field.
Discovering a Unique Mediterranean Forest Landscape
The programme began with an on-site reality check in Samaria National Park, one of Greece’s most emblematic protected areas. Participants travelled by ferry to Agia Roumeli, providing an opportunity to observe the park’s exceptional landscapes and discuss the environmental challenges affecting Mediterranean forest ecosystems.
These field observations offered valuable insights into local management practices and highlighted the importance of combining conservation objectives with climate resilience and sustainable forest management.
Progress on Spatial Analysis and Forest Indicators
A key objective of the meeting was to review the latest progress in the project’s spatial analysis activities.
Project partners presented updates on the development of cartographic tools designed to support decision-making, with particular attention given to:
- the identification and mapping of High Ecological Value (HEV) forests;
- the development of the Forest Fire Index, aimed at improving the assessment of wildfire vulnerability across Mediterranean forest landscapes.
These tools will contribute to the implementation of the Strategy by providing harmonised spatial information to support planning, monitoring and evidence-based management.
Restoration Activities and Biodiversity Assessment
The field visit also focused on ecosystem restoration, with discussions centred on pilot activities involving abandoned olive groves and their potential contribution to biodiversity conservation and landscape resilience.
Participants had the opportunity to carry out an Index of Biodiversity Potential (IBP) survey in the field, allowing them to test the methodology under real conditions and exchange experiences on its practical application. These demonstrations strengthened the partners’ understanding of biodiversity assessment techniques and their integration into sustainable forest management practices.
Strengthening Cooperation with Local Stakeholders
An experts’ meeting was organised with representatives of the Municipality of Sfakia, during which the Samaria National Park Action Plan was presented and discussed.
This exchange reinforced collaboration between the project consortium and local stakeholders, highlighting the importance of participatory governance and ensuring that project recommendations are aligned with local priorities and management needs.
Supporting the Strategy for Sustainable Mediterranean Forests
The Samaria field visit illustrated StrategyMedFor’s collaborative approach, combining scientific expertise, practical field experience and stakeholder dialogue to develop innovative solutions for Mediterranean forests.
By testing methodologies on the ground, improving spatial analysis tools and strengthening cooperation with local authorities, the project continues to build a shared framework for protecting, restoring and sustainably managing Mediterranean forest ecosystems.
As StrategyMedFor progresses towards the implementation of its Strategy for the Sustainable Management of Mediterranean Forests, experiences from pilot sites such as Samaria National Park play a crucial role in ensuring that the project’s recommendations are practical, evidence-based and applicable across the Mediterranean region.
Watch the highlights from the field visit in our latest video and discover how StrategyMedFor is working with experts and local stakeholders to build more resilient Mediterranean forests.
