Uniting for a sustainable future: a MYTF statement on World Environment Day and World Ocean Day

PROBLEM STATEMENT AND BACKGROUND 

As we celebrate World Environment Day on 5 June 2023, it is important to recognize the challenges faced by the Mediterranean region for youth and Mediterranean forestry. Mediterranean forests and other wooded lands in the region make vital contributions to rural development, poverty alleviation and food security.  

The youth in the Mediterranean region face a lack of inclusion, participation and representation in policy. Unemployment is a major factor constraining the full development of youth in the Mediterranean region, especially in countries of the South Mediterranean region. During and after the crisis, youth unemployment increased sharply, especially in Greece and Spain, with the youth unemployment rate above 50 percent by the end of 2012.

Forests and agroforestry play a crucial role in the Mediterranean region, and it is crucial that national and regional strategies better emphasize their role.1 In a context of rapid climatic, societal and lifestyle changes in the Mediterranean, forest and tree-based solutions are critical to the region overall. Human management can help Mediterranean forest health and conservation, and it is important to develop strategies that promote sustainable forest management practices. 

WHAT ARE THE ECONOMIC, SOCIAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS OF MEDITERRANEAN FORESTS FOR THE REGION'S YOUTH? 

Mediterranean forests and other wooded lands in the region make vital contributions to rural development, poverty alleviation and food security, as well as to the agriculture, water, tourism and energy sectors. They are necessary sources of important products such as wood, cork and energy. However, forest degradation in the northern Mediterranean is being driven primarily by wildfires and a lack of land management, while forests in the southeast suffer from overexploitation for firewood, overgrazing and population pressure – potentially triggering a range of economic, social and environmental problems. 

The youth in the Mediterranean region face significant challenges, including high rates of unemployment, which constrains their full development. The economic, social and environmental benefits of Mediterranean forests can help address these challenges. For example, sustainable forest management practices can create employment opportunities for the youth in the region. Additionally, Mediterranean forests can contribute to rural development, poverty alleviation and food security, which can have positive economic and social impacts on the region's youth. 

HOW CAN THE YOUTH IN THE MEDITERRANEAN REGION GET INVOLVED IN FOREST CONSERVATION EFFORTS? 

The youth in the Mediterranean region can get involved in forest conservation efforts by participating in policy-making processes and advocating for sustainable forest management practices. They can also participate in green jobs that provide opportunities using Mediterranean forests. Additionally, they can engage in forest and landscape-based solutions for degraded forests, which can contribute to rural development, poverty alleviation, and food security. 

It is important to emphasize the role of forests and agroforestry in national and regional strategies as well as to create stronger private-public partnerships for forest management. By doing so, the youth in the Mediterranean region can play an active role in promoting sustainable forest management practices and addressing the challenges faced by Mediterranean forests.

HOW DOES FOREST DEGRADATION IN THE MEDITERRANEAN REGION AFFECT THE YOUTH? 

Forest degradation in the Mediterranean region affects the youth in several ways. As a fundamental component in the agriculture, water, tourism, and energy sectors, Mediterranean forests are also crucial for rural development, poverty alleviation and food security.

However, the economic, social and environmental wellbeing of Mediterranean forests are threatened by land degradation due to wildfires and a lack of land management in the north, while overexploitation for firewood, overgrazing and population pressure threaten the southeast. 

Significant challenges, such as high rates of unemployment, constrain the development of youth in the Mediterranean region.

Forest degradation can exacerbate these challenges by reducing the availability of forest resources, such as wood and cork, which can have negative economic impacts on the region's youth. Additionally, forest degradation can lead to the loss of biodiversity, which can have negative environmental impacts on the region's youth as well.

WHAT ARE SOME RECOMMENDATIONS TO ADDRESS THE CHALLENGES FACED BY THE YOUTH IN THE MEDITERRANEAN REGION? 

To address the challenges faced by the youth in the Mediterranean region, several recommendations have been proposed. One of the major challenges faced by the youth in the region is a high rate of unemployment. 

To address this challenge, it is recommended to create more job opportunities for the youth, especially in green jobs that provide opportunities using Mediterranean forests. 

Additionally, it is important to promote entrepreneurship and innovation among the youth to create new job opportunities.

Another recommendation is to increase the inclusion, participation and representation of the youth in policy-making processes. This can help ensure that the needs and perspectives of the youth are taken into account in policy decisions that affect them. 

Furthermore, it is important to invest in education and training programs that equip the youth with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the job market. This can help reduce the skills gap and increase the employability of the youth in the region. 

CONCLUSION 

In conclusion, the youth of the Mediterranean region and Mediterranean forestry face significant challenges that require urgent attention. It is important to develop policies and strategies that promote sustainable forest management practices and address the issue of youth unemployment in the region. By doing so, we can ensure that the Mediterranean region continues to make important contributions to rural development, poverty alleviation and food security, as well as to the agriculture, water, tourism and energy sectors. 

This is a statement drafted by the Mediterranean Youth Task Force (MYTF) Board and presents the views and opinions of its members.