Threats to Mediterranean Forests: Biodiversity Hotspots Facing Climate Change and Anthropogenic Disturbances

Recognized as a major climate change hotspot, the Mediterranean Basin, with its hot, dry summers and varied topography, is particularly susceptible to frequent and intense wildfires. These fires have severe consequences for biodiversity, ecosystem services, and human populations and infrastructure.

Mediterranean forests are highly biodiverse terrestrial ecosystems, vital for ecological functions such as biodiversity conservation, hydrological cycle regulation, soil erosion protection, carbon sequestration, and providing essential ecosystem services for human well-being. Their ecological resilience is crucial for Mediterranean landscapes.

The ecological balance of Mediterranean forests is increasingly threatened by the combined impacts of climate change and human disturbances. These factors negatively affect their structure, functioning, and ability to regenerate, leading to significant degradation.