EFI Mediterranean Network Forum 2026

The EFI Mediterranean Network Forum 2026 renews collaboration and invites the forest community connecting researchers, policymakers, and practitioners across the Mediterranean. The event will take place in Valencia, Spain, with the aim to review progress on the Mediterranean Forest Research Agenda 2030 and identify continuing and new needs; strengthen collaboration across the Mediterranean forest community; foster dialogue between science, policy and practice; engage youth in shaping the future of Mediterranean forests, and showcase research and innovation through interactive sessions, posters and networking.

Check the complete programme of the in-person event, with mandatory registration. Simultaneous translation from and to English-Arabic will be provided.

A series of free public webinars have been organised ahead of the Forum to generate debate around some of the main challenges facing the Mediterranean forest. Highlights:

• Forest therapy, 17th February 2026.
• Forest fires, 4th March, 2026.

During the Forum, on Tuesday 24th March 2026, Alicia Pérez-Porro -CREAF responsible for Policy engagement and institutional relations- will provide a keynote presentation as part of the session 'Forest and diplomacy'. The same day, CREAF researcher Josep M. Espelta will address the talk 'Forest vulnerability to drought'.

The forum will feature:

• A high-level session with policymakers to explore the role of forests as powerful tools for diplomacy, fostering cross-border cooperation in the Mediterranean.
• Mid-term review of Mediterranean Forest Research Agenda 2030 reflecting on achievements, challenges, and opportunities since its launch in 2022.
• Interactive sessions focussing on hot topics identified by the Scientific and Technical Committee organising the event as particularly relevant to Mediterranean communities.
• Networking opportunities, with interactive components in all sessions and a dedicated networking session to connect innovators and participants.
• Youth engagement through the continued involvement of leading youth organisations (i.e. the International Forestry Students Association and the FAO Mediterranean Youth Task Force) and a featured session spotlighting new voices from Mediterranean forests.
• Field visits connected to the topics of the interactive sessions (locations in Valencia area to be announced).
• Back-to-back to the event, a thematic workshop focuses on a characteristic Mediterranean tree species (Ceratonia siliqua) and its role in the regional landscape, culture, and economy, giving space to groundbreaking innovations.