AGORA Making the Difference: Towards a Mediterranean Forest Research Area

The Mediterranean region is considered as one of the globe’s “conflict hotspots” due to its political instability, difficult socio-economic conditions, its geo-energy position and the state of its natural resources: 60% of the water-poor countries in the world and more than half of the region is affected by desertification processes. At the same time, the Mediterranean basin contains a unique mosaic of diverse ecosystems, landscapes and cultures, which are a result of a distinct regional climate and long-lasting human pressure imprinted on a dynamic
topography.

The socio-ecological challenges facing this area are particularly pronounced in Mediterranean Partner Countries (MPCs) in the southern Mediterranean region, creating complex scientific challenges. Meeting these challenges requires sufficient research capacity – something which is lacking in the field of forest research. 

This policy brief focuses on the work of the AGORA – Advancing Capacities in Mediterranean Forestry Research project, a European project financed by the EU 7th Framework Programme. AGORA provided a focused, innovative and ambitious response to the problem by implementing research partnerships, networking, capacity building and knowledge transfer in two North African countries, Tunisia and Morocco. The policy brief sets out the lessons learned, and provides recommendations for future policy development.

More information

Recommended citation:
Marc Palahí, Davide Pettenella, José G. Borges, Fouad Mounir, Hamed Daly, François Lefèvre and Emin Baskent. 2012. AGORA Making the Difference: Towards a Mediterranean Forest Research Area Policy Brief 8. European Forest Institute.

Number of pages: 16

ISBN: 978-952-5453-94-2 (printed)

ISBN: 978-952-5453-95-9 (pdf)