Project overview
Mediterranean deciduous oak forests are vital ecosystems that provide numerous benefits:
Wood production
Watershed hydrological balance regulation
Biodiversity conservation
Soil protection
Carbon sequestration
Landscape aesthetics enhancement
However, these forests have been exhibiting signs of decline, including:
Reduced growth and vigor
Premature leaf shedding
Crown dieback
Increased vulnerability to parasites
Tree mortality
Climate change and associated droughts are considered primary drivers of this decline in Mediterranean oak forests. Additional factors, such as overgrazing and soil compaction, may exacerbate the problem.
Forest Management Strategies
To address these challenges, forest management and silviculture can implement actions at various spatial and temporal scales. These interventions aim to: maintain forest ecosystem functionality; enhance the resilience of Mediterranean oak forests to climate change By adopting proactive management approaches, it may be possible to mitigate the impacts of environmental stressors and preserve the ecological and economic value of these important forest ecosystems.