State of Mediterranean Forests 2018

EXTRACT :

With its ancient history and rich heritage, the Mediterranean region is a meeting point between three continents: Africa, Asia and Europe. Surrounded by 21 countries, the Mediterranean is the largest semi-enclosed sea in the world. Countries in the Mediterranean region are usually divided into three sub-regions (FAO and Plan Bleu, 2013): the southern, eastern and northern Mediterranean.

The Mediterranean region is home to a great variety of ecosystems and species subject to significant pressures. Thirty percent of all international tourists descend on the Mediterranean coast (UNWTO, 2017). The development of large cities and megacities, leading to population growth and increased economic activity, places a strain on coastal areas. The Mediterranean diet and agricultural products are world-renowned, but depend for their sustainability on rural landscapes, resources and decent working conditions.