EFI Mediterranean Network News: planting the seeds in Valencia to foster long‑lasting regional cooperation
The April 2026 edition of the EFI Mediterranean Network News is all about people working together to turn ideas into action for Mediterranean forests. At the heart of this issue is the EFI Mediterranean Network Forum 2026 in Valencia, which showed how collaboration, innovation, and shared purpose can deliver real results for the region.
The newsletter centres on the close of the Forum, which brought together more than 190 experts and stakeholders for five days of discussion on climate resilience, biodiversity, forest diplomacy, and sustainable value chains. Several features dive into the Forum’s hands‑on hackathons, where cross‑sectoral groups worked together to develop practical recommendations on watershed management, carob value chains, and forest genetic resources. Reflections on forests as spaces for diplomacy add a broader perspective, highlighting how science can act as a shared language for cooperation across borders.
Carob also takes centre stage, with dedicated coverage of Carob Days, examining the scientific, economic, and cultural dimensions of this emblematic Mediterranean species. The launch of MEDFORGEN, a new cross‑border initiative to safeguard forest genetic resources, reinforces the Forum’s contribution to long‑term regional collaboration. In addition, a field‑based perspective is offered through a contribution from REVOLVE, following flood risk from the Sierra de Chiva to the Albufera and drawing lessons on land use and restoration after the 2024 DANA.
Beyond the Forum, the issue features updates from across the network, including the INTERCEDE Transdisciplinary Forum, The State of Europe’s Forests 2025, biodiversity research in Lebanon, ecosystem service initiatives, education resources, and capacity‑building opportunities. We have also launched a new section, Network Threads, which invites voices from across the community, starting with a special focus on World Book Day reading recommendations.
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Contribute to the next issue! Contact: Gerard Fernández, Editor, EFI Mediterranean Facility, Barcelona.
