Strengthening the resilience of forests and trees outside forests to biotic and abiotic threats in the Near East and North Africa

Forestry experts, policymakers, and practitioners from around 10 countries across the Near East and North Africa (NENA) region gathered on 1 October 2025 to share perspectives and experiences and address the increasing threats to forest health from pests, invasive species, drought, and the impacts of climate change.  

The event, “Strengthening the resilience of forests and trees outside forests to biotic and abiotic threats in the Near East and North Africa”, was organized by the Near East Network on Forest Health and Invasive Species (NENFHIS), the National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification (NCVC), and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in Saudi Arabia as part of the 27th Session of the Near East Forestry and Range Commission. The session provided a platform for inter-country knowledge exchange and showcased innovative case studies implemented across the region, with the aim of strengthening the resilience of vital forest ecosystems. 

Country experiences: Iraq, Morocco, and Saudi Arabia share practical solutions 

Moderated by Sami Albarih, National Professional Officer at FAO Saudi Arabia, the event opened with remarks from Shiroma Sathyapala, Forestry Officer (Forest Health & Protection) at FAO, who outlined FAO’s global and regional efforts to support forest health, emphasizing the importance of early detection systems, coordinated response mechanisms, and strong partnerships to manage both biotic and abiotic threats to forests and trees outside forests. 

A series of country presentations showcased innovative approaches and lessons learned across the region: 

• Iraq: Bassam Kanaan Abduljabbar Aal Gulul, Director General of the Department of Forests and Combating Desertification, shared experiences in establishing green belts and resilience-building measures to combat desertification and protect forest ecosystems. 
• Morocco: Aadel Taoufik, NENFHIS Coordinator and Forest Engineer at the National Agency of Water and Forests, presented Morocco’s Forest Health Monitoring Systems, which serve as an example for effective forest protection and pest management strategies. 
• Saudi Arabia: Eng. Sameer Ali Malaekah, from the National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification (NCVC), highlighted the challenges of forest dieback and decline, emphasizing the need for innovative restoration methods and enhanced regional collaboration. 

Interactive dialogue strengthens regional cooperation 

Participants from across the region engaged in a dynamic discussion, sharing insights, raising critical questions, and exploring opportunities for cooperation. The exchanges highlighted the need for data sharing, regional monitoring networks, and capacity development to strengthen forest resilience at both national and regional levels. 

A call to action for healthy and resilient forests 

Closing the event, Nizar Haddad, Programme Director at FAO Saudi Arabia, thanked all speakers and participants for their active engagement. He emphasized that although forests and trees outside forests cover a relatively small area in the NENA region, their ecological, social, and economic value is immense. 

He highlighted how addressing forest health threats requires collaboration, sustained dialogue, and joint action. Platforms such as NENFHIS play a crucial role in connecting countries, sharing knowledge, and coordinating responses at the regional level. 

Looking ahead 

The side event reaffirmed the shared regional commitment to protecting forests and trees outside forests against growing threats. The insights and experiences shared during the session will help shape coordinated regional strategies, improve forest health monitoring systems, and strengthen partnerships, paving the way for more resilient forests and landscapes across the Near East and North Africa.