Webinars

Join us for an in-depth exploration of the EFI Mediterranean Network Forum 2026 through a series of engaging webinars focused on key themes: 

Forest Health - Forest Therapy - Forest Fires

These sessions provide scientists, researchers, and professionals with a unique opportunity to exchange knowledge, gain fresh insights, and connect with peers ahead of the Forum in Valencia. Together, we’ll delve into three important topics and explore how they might shape the future of Mediterranean forests.
 

Session #1 - Forest health: an essential pillar for the resilience of forest ecosystems

Date: 5 February 2026
Time: 10:00 CET

Forest pests and diseases are among the most serious threats to Mediterranean forest ecosystems, a challenge increasingly intensified by climate change, global trade, and cross-border movements. This webinar explores the transboundary dimension of forest pests and diseases in the Mediterranean, examining their impacts on forest health, key management challenges, and the need for coordinated regional responses.

The session brings together national and regional perspectives, with an overview of the current situation in Lebanon alongside a broader discussion on cross-border dynamics across the Mediterranean Basin. Topics include pathways of spread, monitoring and early warning systems, management approaches, and selected case studies from the region. The webinar contributes to the wider discussions on forest resilience within the framework of the EFI Mediterranean Network Forum 2026.
 

Programme

• Introduction and objectives of the session
  Dr Chadi Mohanna (Ministry of Agriculture, Lebanon)

• Forest pests and diseases in the Mediterranean
  Transboundary challenges, impacts, and management perspectives
  Dr Nabil Nemr

• Regional and international perspectives
  FAO

• Panel discussion and Q&A

Session #2 - Forest therapy: integrating environmental science, medicine and economics

Date: 17 February 2026
Time: 10:00 CET

This webinar explores the emerging role of forest therapy as a multidisciplinary practice linking environmental science, public health, and sustainable rural development. The session opens with a strategic overview of Mediterranean forest cooperation, followed by scientific, clinical, and socio-economic perspectives.
 

Programme

• Introduction to the Mediterranean Model Forest Network
  Overview of the Association and the FORSA project
  Toni Ventre (MMFNS) & Marcello Miozzo (FMMF President)

• Forest therapy and ecosystem services
  Scientific evidence on forests and human well-being, environmental prerequisites
  Francesco Meneguzzo & Federica Zabini (CNR-IBE)

• From prevention to rehabilitation
  Clinical value of forest therapy for mental and physical health
  Elio Rossi (RT, institutional perspectives) & Letizia Proserpi (Medical Doctor, practical application)

• Investing in natural well-being
  Socio-economic impacts and development opportunities linked to forest therapy
  Davide Pettenella or Ilaria Doimo (CREA) & Andrea Dini (GAE)

• Panel discussion and Q&A 

Session #3 - Forest Fires 

Save the date – March 2026
Exact date and time to be confirmed

This webinar will address key wildfire challenges in Mediterranean forests, exploring approaches to prevention, management, and post-fire recovery in a changing climate.

Programme details and registration information will follow.
 

Can’t attend everything? We’ve got you covered!

• Not joining the Forum in Valencia? Sign up for the webinars and make your voice heard online.

• If you miss a webinar live, recordings will be available before the EFI Mediterranean Network Forum begins.
   

Stay tuned for updates and join us online to help shape the future of Mediterranean forests!