To describe the StrategyMedFor project you can use the following sentences:

One sentence

The Interreg Euro-MED StrategyMedFor project uses new technologies and data to develop a Forward-Looking Framework for Sustainable Management of Forests in the Mediterranean region.

One paragraph

Despite the increase in Mediterranean forest cover in recent decades, these forests are not in good condition and require urgent action to increase their resilience to climate change and restore their biodiversity. According to recent studies, the Mediterranean basin is the second most affected region in the world by climate change. This will have an impact on the quality, integrity, distribution and cover of forest species, which will in turn impact the livelihoods of local communities.

The StrategyMedFor project has developed a Forward-Looking Framework for Sustainable Management of Forests in the Mediterranean region, supported by common criteria and indicators, geospatial tools and methodologies for climate-resilient forest management, restoration and conservation. Following its development and testing in three pilot territories during the initial phase, the project is now entering a Transfer phase, which aims to adapt and apply the Framework and its toolbox in four new pilot territories in Croatia, Montenegro, Albania and Slovenia. Through tailored capacity building, knowledge exchange and hands-on collaboration, the Transfer phase will support receiver institutions and stakeholders in integrating these tools into forest management, restoration strategies, spatial planning and policy processes.

Full version

The Mediterranean basin is the third-richest hotspot in the world in terms of plant biodiversity and one of the greatest sources of endemic plants on Earth. Forest and wooded lands are, at the same time, one of the most threatened ecosystems in the Mediterranean because of the large population concentration and the high pressure from human activities. Moreover, the Mediterranean is one of the regions most affected by climate change. Only 5% of natural vegetation in the Mediterranean basin remains, the lowest of any biodiversity hotspot.

Following EU and international policies to address knowledge gaps in sustainable management of Mediterranean forests, StrategyMedFor has developed a Forward-Looking Framework for Sustainable Management of Forests in the Mediterranean region, considering future climate scenarios and supported by common criteria and indicators, new technologies and geospatial data. The Framework and its toolbox were developed and tested in three pilot territories during the initial phase of the project, providing practical experience and lessons for their wider application.

The Transfer phase now aims to adapt and apply the Framework and its toolbox in four new pilot territories in Croatia, Montenegro, Albania and Slovenia. Through tailored capacity building, knowledge exchange and hands-on collaboration with receiver institutions and stakeholders, the project will support the practical uptake of the tools for forest protection, restoration, climate resilience, biodiversity conservation, fire-risk prevention and evidence-based spatial planning. The Transfer phase will also strengthen the potential for replication and wider use of the Framework beyond the pilot territories.