Contribution of forests to a green economy in the Middle East and North Africa. Evidence, drivers and policy orientations.
Author(s)	Croitoru L, Liagre L
Year	2013
Journal	GIZ Regional project “Adapting forest policy conditions to climate change in the MENA region”
Languages	English
Study area	Algeria, Lebanon, Morocco, Syria, Tunisia, Turkey
Components	2
Keywords	Green economy; Non-timber forest products (NTFPs); Mediterranean forests
Abstract	Although there is broad agreement that forests can make substantial contributions to a green economy, their precise role has not yet been investigated comprehensively. This paper addresses this gap for forests in the Middle East and North Africa and makes concrete recommendations to decision-makers. Overall, non-timber forest products are the most important forest benefit. Watershed protection is very significant. Specific ecosystems can reach particularly high values, such as cork oak in Tunisia and Maamora forests in Morocco. A wide range of instruments has been developed to help capture forest benefits in ways that promote a green economy. Some countries have already created value chains for non-wood forest products, established protected areas, and promoted green accounting. However, only a few countries have introduced innovative mechanisms such as payments for environmental services and carbon finance.