Forests of the Mediterranean region: gaps in knowledge and research needs

Mediterranean forests art, characterised by a remarkable set of features th at make them naturally and aesthetically attractive, on the one hand, but a lso quite fragile, on the other, therefore calling for careful strategies f or their conservation and management. An exceptionally large variation of e nvironmental conditions characterises the Mediterranean countries, where th e environment can limit forest growth and succession but can also give rise , more often than it is supposed, to lush, mesic forest ecosystems, similar to those of central Europe. Moreover, Mediterranean forests contain an amp le, plant and animal biological diversity, exemplified by the large number of tree species as compared to Nordic forests, and by their relatively high genetic variability due to the survival of many conifer and broadleaf spec ies in southern European refuges, during the glacial periods. Another pecul iar aspect of this region is the long-lasting manipulation of trees, forest s and landscapes, since ancient times, with the diffusion all over the Medi terranean basin of such species as Pinus pinea, Cupressus sempervirens, Cas tanea sativa, and Quercus suber. The harsh and unpredictable climate, the d ifficult socio-economic conditions and the history of over-exploitation of the Mediterranean forests require that a scientifically sound conservation strategy and a locally-tailored sustainable management should be implemente d. In particular, the need for identifying those silvicultural and manageme nt strategies appropriate for southern European forests should be stressed. Obviously, this consideration will have important effects on the definitio n of criteria for sustainability and eco-certification, Also, social issues should be considered key factors for effective forest conservation in the Mediterranean region, otherwise it will be impossible to control forest fir es and landscape degradation. Based on these considerations a number of research priorities are discussed , with special consideration to possible impacts that global change may hav e on Mediterranean forest ecosystems. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All ri ghts reserved.