The State of Mediterranean Forests 2025

The publication State of Mediterranean Forests (SoMF) seeks to improve knowledge of Mediterranean forests. This series was first developed by the the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) following a request made to it by the Committee on Mediterranean Forestry Questions – Silva Mediterranea to address the lack of data on these forests and periodically review the trends in forest land use in the region. The purpose of the publication is to use that greater understanding to provide a sound basis for their future management. 

The first and second volumes of SoMF were co-published respectively in 2013 and 2018 by FAO and Plan Bleu. At its Twenty-Third Session in April 2019 in Brummana, Lebanon, Silva Mediterranea confirmed its interest in this publication and requested that FAO prepare the third edition of SoMF (SoMF 2025). The new edition of SoMF includes five sections and eight chapters. It first outlines the socioeconomic context by reporting on the latest demographic and economic trends and social challenges in the region. SoMF then provides an overview of the status of forest resources in the Mediterranean region based on the most recent statistics available. These derive from the FAO Global Forest Resources Assessments (FRA) 2020 country reports and other data-collection efforts.  

The volume will also report on the biotic and abiotic stresses undermining the health and persistence of Mediterranean forests. This section will examine past, current and future abiotic threats that are exposing Mediterranean forest ecosystems to increased degradation. It will also provide an overview of past and current pests and diseases, as well as new and exotic insect and pathogen species that are finding new environmental niches in the Mediterranean region, showing how they are affecting Mediterranean forests.  

SoMF 2025 will illustrate the main pathways to limiting the detrimental effects of these threats, showcasing sound management, nature-based solutions and sustainable socioeconomic actions.  

It will also outline the recent advances and tools in Mediterranean forest monitoring efforts, including research-oriented and innovative approaches. 

Finally, the report will identify the gaps and steps needed to improve knowledge of the sustainable management of Mediterranean forests and review the actions that can be taken based on that knowledge. 

The launch of SoMF 2025 will take place in 2025 during a regional event yet to be determined. This would provide an excellent opportunity to present the main outcomes and key findings.  

Giovanbattista de Dato (FAO)