This report takes place within the framework of the regional project “Maximize the production of goods and services of Mediterranean forest ecosystems in the context of global changes” (2012-2016) financed by the French Global Environment Facility together with the German Cooperation (GIZ), the French Ministry of Agriculture, Agrifood and Forestry, and the European Union, in 5 North African (Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia) and the Middle East countries (Lebanon, Turkey). This synthesis report prov ides a quick overview of the main results of components 2 (Assessment of the socio-economic value of goods and services provided by Mediterranean forest ecosystems) and component 3 (Improving Mediterranean woodland areas governance through participatory implementation and management approaches). This document also presents the lessons learned as well as the main recommendations issued in five Mediterranean countries.

It is vital, indeed through economic assessment, to increase the visibi lity of the contribution of the goods and services produced by Mediterranean woodland areas for populations who are economically and socially dependent on these areas, but also for society as a whole. However, this can only be achieved through active involvement of these populations by managing these areas through participatory processes.

In the context of rapid global change, it is crucial to work on these two closely linked themes in order to provide the tools needed to make necessary changes in public policies, which now, more than ever, are facing many challenges.