Meirav Even-Har’s Post

Mediterranean countries step up the fight for forests. The Mediterranean basin is the world’s second-largest biodiversity hotspot, yet 16 percent of its forest species are threatened with extinction, in part due to prolonged drought, extreme heat waves and wildfires.   The Flagship Restoring Mediterranean Forests, spearheaded by Silva Mediterranea, represents a substantial endeavor to address the degradation of forest ecosystems in one of the planet's most crucial biodiversity hotspots. https://lnkd.in/e3tNTE7N

Did you know that the Mediterranean is a biodiversity hotspot? 16% of the region’s forest species are threatened with extinction. Watch this documentary to see how countries, volunteers & communities are reviving their forests. #GenerationRestoration Across the Mediterranean region, droughts are on the rise and forests are burning. But there are also those who are stepping up to the challenge: from fighting fires to preventing them. Learn how they do it. Watch the UNEP team's documentary highlighting and featuring the AFDC's Very own Ramlieh prototype as one of their chosen initiative for the REstore documentary series 🌍🔥 🌲 Restoring Mediterranean Forests has been recognized as a World Restoration Flagship under the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration. https://lnkd.in/ezQz5n62

🌱🔥Fostering Mediterranean Ecosystem Restoration Amidst Climate Challenges 🔥🌱 The Mediterranean region shines as a haven of biodiversity, teeming with unique ecosystems found nowhere else on Earth. However, this richness is under siege from the escalating impacts of climate change. As director of AgroForMed, I am deeply concerned about the future of our Mediterranean landscapes. The video shared by the UN Environment Programme underscores the urgent need for action. From the shores of Lebanon to the hills of Turkey, our biodiversity hotspot is facing unprecedented threats from wildfires and shifting climatic patterns. At AgroForMed, we recognize that preserving biodiversity is paramount to our collective survival. The Mediterranean's rich tapestry of life supports countless species, many of which are found nowhere else on the planet. Yet, as temperatures rise and habitats degrade, the future of these species hangs in the balance. Agroforestry offers a guiding light in this uncertain landscape. By integrating agriculture into forestry and vice-versa, we can create resilient landscapes that buffer against the impacts of climate change while safeguarding biodiversity. Agroforestry plays a vital role in nurturing thriving ecosystems and ensuring a sustainable future for the Mediterranean. 🌍🌳 #AgroForMed #ClimateAction

The episode focused on the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration flagship “Restoring Mediterranean Forests” is now out! Watch it here.   The Mediterranean basin is the world’s second-largest biodiversity hotspot, yet 16 percent of its forest species are threatened with extinction, in part due to prolonged drought, extreme heat waves and wildfires.   The Flagship Restoring Mediterranean Forests, spearheaded by Silva Mediterranea, represents a substantial endeavor to address the degradation of forest ecosystems in one of the planet's most crucial biodiversity hotspots.   Focusing on proactive forest management, the initiative aims to prevent wildfires and restore degraded habitats. Already, around 2 million hectares have been restored since 2017, with plans to restore 8 million by 2030, creating 50 000 green jobs in the process.  https://lnkd.in/da7Wm3Tu

Please understand carefully.

This is beyond frustrating! By it's very own definition, the United Nations says deforestation is the removal of forest without replacement. And elsewhere that the major cause globally is the conversion of forest land to agriculture. But here they link deforestation to paper packaging. For the record, here in Canada, paper packaging is responsible for zero deforestation because any areas of forest harvested are regenerated as forest by law. In fact, most paper packaging made in Canada is 100% recycled content. The UN needs to get its act together. Facts are facts.

### Deforestation: A Global Challenge Deforestation refers to the large-scale removal of forested land, often resulting in damage to the quality of the land. This environmental issue has significant consequences for biodiversity, climate, and human livelihoods. #### Causes of Deforestation The primary drivers of deforestation include: 1. **Agricultural Expansion**: Clearing forests to create farmland for crops and livestock. 2. **Logging**: Harvesting timber for construction, paper, and other products. 3. **Infrastructure Development**: Building roads, cities, and other infrastructure. 4. **Mining**: Extracting minerals and resources from beneath forested land. #### Environmental Impact Deforestation has severe environmental repercussions: 1. **Loss of Biodiversity**: Forests are home to a large percentage of the world’s terrestrial species. Their destruction leads to habitat loss and extinction of many plants and animals. 2. **Climate Change**: Trees absorb carbon dioxide. Cutting them down releases this stored carbon into the atmosphere, contributing to global warming. 3. **Soil Erosion**: Without tree roots to anchor the soil, deforested areas are prone to erosion, leading to reduced soil fertility and increased sediment in waterways. #### Socio-Economic Impact The social and economic impacts of deforestation include: 1. **Impact on Indigenous Communities**: Many indigenous peoples rely on forests for their livelihoods. Deforestation can lead to displacement and loss of traditional ways of life. 2. **Economic Consequences**: While deforestation can provide short-term economic gains through timber sales and agriculture, it often leads to long-term losses due to decreased ecosystem services. #### Solutions and Mitigation Efforts to combat deforestation focus on sustainable management and conservation: 1. **Reforestation and Afforestation**: Planting trees to restore degraded lands and create new forests. 2. **Sustainable Forestry Practices**: Managing forest resources in ways that maintain their biodiversity, productivity, and ecological processes. 3. **Policy and Legislation**: Enforcing laws that protect forests and promote sustainable land use. 4. **Education and Awareness**: Raising awareness about the importance of forests and the consequences of deforestation. Deforestation is a complex issue requiring coordinated global action. By addressing its causes and promoting sustainable practices, we can work towards preserving our planet’s forests for future generations.

Wetlands are rich reservoirs of biodiversity that are vital for humanity and nature to thrive. ⚠️ Yet 25% of wetland species are now threatened with extinction. Learn more 👉 worldwetlandsday.org #ActForWetlands Via IUCN

🌴International Day of Forests - 21st March🌴 Each year more than 13 million hectares (32 million acres) of forests are lost, an area roughly the size of England. As go the forests, so goes the plant and animal species that they embrace 80% of all terrestrial biodiversity. Most importantly, forests play a critical role in climate change. 🌴🌲 Plant more trees and protect our environment. Plant for healthy life and Green Pakistan🇵🇰. #internationalforestday #planttree

Why central cardamom landscape is so vital for #biodiversityconservation and #climateaction. Watch this video to know more what Conservation International has been doing to flight climate change for #localcommunities and #nature in #cambodia.