The Forestry Sector: A way to empower people and respond to social, economic

and environmental challenges in the Mediterranean.

Barcelona, June 2016

EU and Mediterranean partner countries face common challenges when it comes climate change, economic growth, foster social inclusion and strengthen local development.

To discuss on opportunities and ways of cooperation within the forestry sector, Mr. Almotaz Abadi (Union for Mediterranean, DSG of the Environment and Water Division/Acting) and Dr. Enrique Doblas (CREAF research coordinator and manager of the MENFRI project) met recently at UfM headquarters in Barcelona.

UfM’s Mr. Almotaz Abadi and CREAF’s Dr. Enrique Doblas discuss opportunities for cooperation

The Mediterranean Network of Forestry Research and Innovation (www.menfri.eu) is well placed to contribute to UfM mission, especially considering the interest of the Union in labeling projects related with forestry issues. At the same time the discussion touched also upon the opportunity to create an expert working group on the forestry subject with the objective to use its capacities as an engine of social and economic growth.

This objective is crucial and for this reason, building upon the experience and capacities of the MENFRI project, Dr. Doblas will be coordinating the Node for Opportunities, Development and Environment (thenode.co). The NODE will be a service-hub able to provide innovative sustainable development solutions, technical and policy advisory capacities, combining multidisciplinary approach with market opportunities, knowledge and social business.

Mr. Almotaz Abadi sees the objectives of the NODE in concordance with UfM main objectives and looks at the capacities it can offer as valuable resources in the Mediterranean. The launch of the NODE is expected in November 2016 at the EU Parliament in Brussels (Belgium).