OVERVIEW

The Master Degree Mediterranean Forestry and Natural Resources Management (MEDfOR) is a two-year world-class International Programme on the field of Forestry and Sustainability, implemented in 2012.
It is the only program in Europe that simultaneously addresses the economic, ecological and social challenges of sustainable Mediterranean forestry and natural resources management.
MEDfOR also address specific topics on the field of forestry, with particular emphasis on the Mediterranean area such as:

  •  forest as a unique world heritage,
  •  forest management and conservation
  • forestry role in the welfare of the society.

Our purpose is to educate the next generation of leaders in forestry and natural resources, and public and private land management, with a special focus on the Mediterranean region. We wish to provide our students with tools to contribute to the solutions of forestry, natural resources and environmental challenges throughout the region and the world.

For that we brought together the best expertise, human resources and facilities of the Mediterranean region.
The Programme is offered by a Consortium of top ranked Universities supported by a consultation panel with several associated partners and stakeholders that come from leading international research and outreach organizations in all scientific areas of interest to Mediterranean Forestry and Natural Resources Management.

OUTCOMES and CAREERS


At the end of the programme you shall have acquired a solid scientific habilitation, specific technical skills and the necessary competences necessary to develop a career in innovative fields of work in Forestry.
Our Alumi, who come from all over the world, have found jobs everyhere. Some are working at private entities, public administration, international organizations (eg. FAO, GIZ), ONGS, or as consultants for local or international companies. One third of the students got a PhD scholarship and started an academic career. Some alumni are now lecturers.

THE MEDITERRANEAN FOREST AND FORESTRY

Mediterranean biomes are mostly present around the Mediterranean Sea but also on several regions of Australia, Africa, US and Brazil. Mediterranean ecosystems are extremely frail and unique ecosystems, classified as biodiversity hotspots. Their level of biodiversity and genetic variability is extremely high. Mediterranean forests are a unique world natural heritage in terms of biological diversity, hosting around 25.000 plant species.
Mediterranean human populations have always lived in closed contact with Mediterranean forests, and these forests have been strongly shaped by their activities. Populations have always depended on the products and services the forest provides. 
Further, Mediterranean forest support forest services with protective, productive and socio-economic functions such as: carbon sequestration, contribution to ecosystem richness or soil and water conservation among others

 

 


THREATS
Mediterranean forests are now seriously threatened by drastic and rapid climate and land use changes, which add to long-standing problems related to desertification processes and forest fires. Other problems are associated with the over-exploitation and over-grazing of forest lands. It is expected that climate changes will result in the expansion of Mediterranean-like conditions to new areas.
MEDfOR wishes to address this problems and improve Mediterranean forestry and natural resources management and policy-making.

ERASMUS MUNDUS

 

The Erasmus Mundus Programme is a co-operation and mobility programme in the field of higher education that aims to enhance the quality of European higher education and promote intercultural understanding. The Erasmus Mundus Programme MEDfOR, is part of the Erasmus + Programme offered by the European Commission.
If you want to know more about the Erasmus Mundus Programme, check the website: European Commission’s web site. Here you can also find a useful FAQ table, studies, statistics and other useful information about the Erasmus Mundus Programme.