The second edition of the EFI Mediterranean Network Forum renewed collaboration and invited new participation in EFIMED’s network connecting forest researchers, policymakers, and practitioners across the Mediterranean. In 2022, the inaugural EFI Mediterranean Network Forum in Barcelona saw the launch of the Mediterranean Forest Research Agenda (MFRA) 2030. The event offered wide-ranging collaboration on key themes and cross-cutting issues for Mediterranean forest management for resilience, which were explored in the MFRA. In 2026, the second edition of this milestone event again offered the opportunity for the EFIMED network to meet in person, fostering new partnerships and collaborative initiatives.
Discover more about the event and who joined us in Valencia by exploring the participants' profiles and the event's photos.
The second edition of the EFI Mediterranean Network Forum, which took place in Valencia, Spain, and offered participants the occasion to:
The forum featured:
A high-level session with policymakers to explore the role of forests as powerful tools for diplomacy, fostering cross-border cooperation in the Mediterranean, and how development cooperation funding can play a key role in financing environmental projects.
Mid-term review of Mediterranean Forest Research Agenda (MFRA) 2030 reflecting on achievements, challenges, and opportunities since its launch in 2022, and continuing and new needs going forwards.
Interactive sessions focussing on hot topics identified by the Scientific and Technical Committee organising the event as particularly relevant to Mediterranean communities. Topics werechosen to spark debate and reflect diverse perspectives in a space for open and inclusive dialogue. To ensure that a diversity of voices were heard, the sessions will include keynote presentations, panels, live interactions with the audience, and poster flash talks.
Networking opportunities, with interactive components in all sessions and a dedicated networking session to connect innovators and participants.
Youth engagement through the continued involvement of leading youth organisations (i.e. the International Forestry Students Association and the FAO Mediterranean Youth Task Force) and a featured session spotlighting new voices from Mediterranean forests.
Field visits connected to the topics of the interactive sessions.
Back-to-back to the event, a thematic workshop focussed on a characteristic Mediterranean tree species (Ceratonia siliqua) and its role in the regional landscape, culture, and economy, giving space to groundbreaking innovations.