The International Conference on Sustainable Management and Restoration of Mediterranean Forests in Palermo

Since the impacts from the loss of forest ecosystems to nature and man have been documented many decades ago, sustainable management has been the foundation of every effort to conserve forest ecosystems. Gradually, debates on sustainable forest management were accompanied by those focusing on restoration of degraded forest ecosystems. The 1992 Convention on Biological Diversity was of decisive importance in this respect. Since the publication of the convention, and as the contribution of forests to climate change mitigation has become more and more evident, the international community begun supporting forest sustainable management and restoration through various instruments. These are also critical issues contributing to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals 15 (Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss) and 6 (Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all) and are indirectly related to almost all SDG and the majority of 169 targets.

In this context, the Task Force on Climate Change Adaptation and Restoration of IUFRO has taken the initiative to organize the international conference under the title «Sustainable restoration of Mediterranean forests», which took place from 19 to 21 April 2017 in Palermo, Sicily, Italy.

Picture from the conference

The conference was organized on four themes:
• How to deal with the effects of climate change on the management and restoration of forests in the Mediterranean;
• How will science and technology developments influence strategies for achieving sustainable management of Mediterranean forests;
• What are the best practices to interconnect forest managers (scientists, civil servants, economists) in order to create a network that will ensure the adaptation of forestry practices Mediterranean countries to the needs of circular economy;
• How forest adaptative management will be combined with policies and actions to restore forest landscapes.

More than 50 papers were presented at the conference and more than 150 scientists and representatives of forest services participated.

More at https://www.palermocongress2017.com.