Mediterranean forests are considered as one of the biodiversity hotspots in the world. They provide a diversity of forest products (wood and non-wood forest products)which are the basis for socio-economic development in the Mediterranean, contributing therefore to food security and poverty alleviation in rural areas. The committee on Mediterranean Forest Questions ( Silva Mediterranea ) of FAO identified the urgent need to launch the preparation of the State of Mediterranean Forests (SoMF) to enhance communication and strengthen partnership on forest issues at the regional level. This working paper presents the concept and the process to be put in place to achieve a thorough monitoring system on forest resources and policies in the Mediterranean, based on a complete set of indicators comparable at the regional scale. [more...]

A synthesis of experience and achievements in the financing of forest management in 19 Latin American countries. [more...]