AIFM, history and values
AIFM in history
AIFM Foundation
Created in 1996, AIFM has rapidly become a key player in the preservation and sustainable management of Mediterranean forests. Its mission is to promote the exchange of knowledge and experience between the various players involved in the management of these unique ecosystems.
First years
The first few years were devoted to structuring the association, defining its areas of activity and developing a network of partners. In particular, AIFM forged relations with new partners at the eleventh World Forestry Congress in Antalya (Turkey).
The Marseille Declaration
The Interreg project ‘The Problem of Mediterranean Forests’ marked the beginnings of AIFM. The aim of this collaborative effort was to lay the foundations for European cooperation on Mediterranean forests. The results, summarised in a book, led to the adoption of the Marseille Declaration, a founding text for the association's action.
An expanding network
Over the years, AIFM network has grown considerably, bringing together researchers, forest managers, NGOs, public institutions and private players from many countries bordering the Mediterranean. This diversity of players has enabled the association to develop a global, multidisciplinary approach to the management of Mediterranean forests.
1st Mediterranean Forest Week
In April 2010, in Antalya, Turkey, a new dynamic was created for the preservation of Mediterranean forests. AIFM, in collaboration with the Silva Mediterranea Committee (FAO), organised the first Mediterranean Forest Week. This pioneering event brought together experts, researchers, policy-makers and practitioners from across the region. Together, they laid the foundations for a collaborative, cross-disciplinary approach to tackling the common challenges associated with the sustainable management of Mediterranean forests.
The challenges of the 21st century
Faced with the growing challenges of climate change, habitat fragmentation, forest fires and human pressure, AIFM has been involved in a number of projects aimed at improving the resilience of Mediterranean forests and promoting sustainable forest management practices. The 15th World Forestry Congress in 2015 was an opportunity for AIFM to raise its profile internationally. By organising a stand dedicated to Mediterranean forests, the association encouraged exchanges and collaboration between players from different backgrounds. This participation helped to position AIFM as a key player in the preservation of these unique ecosystems.
AIFM today: a key player
Today, AIFM is recognised as a key player in the preservation of Mediterranean forests. It regularly organises conferences, workshops and seminars to encourage exchanges between the various players involved. Thanks to its extensive network and recognised expertise, AIFM plays a decisive role in the development of forestry policies and the implementation of large-scale conservation and restoration projects. Photo opposite: In 2021, AIFM will sign a memorandum of cooperation with 5 partners with a wide range of specialities to create the Mediterranean Biodiversity Consortium to carry out integrated multi-biome projects around the Mediterranean.
Future prospects
The challenges of preserving Mediterranean forests continue to grow. AIFM intends to pursue its actions by strengthening its collaboration with other players in forest management, developing new innovative projects and adapting to changes in the socio-economic and environmental context. Photo opposite: Signing of a memorandum of understanding between the IAMF, Tour du Valat and the Ministry of Agriculture, Hydraulic Resources and Maritime Fishing, represented by the Director General of Forests in Tunisia, Mr Naoufel Ben Haha, for the RESCOM project.
AIFM Foundation
Created in 1996, AIFM has rapidly become a key player in the preservation and sustainable management of Mediterranean forests. Its mission is to promote the exchange of knowledge and experience between the various players involved in the management of these unique ecosystems.
First years
The first few years were devoted to structuring the association, defining its areas of activity and developing a network of partners. In particular, AIFM forged relations with new partners at the eleventh World Forestry Congress in Antalya (Turkey).
The Marseille Declaration
The Interreg project ‘The Problem of Mediterranean Forests’ marked the beginnings of AIFM. The aim of this collaborative effort was to lay the foundations for European cooperation on Mediterranean forests. The results, summarised in a book, led to the adoption of the Marseille Declaration, a founding text for the association's action.
An expanding network
Over the years, AIFM network has grown considerably, bringing together researchers, forest managers, NGOs, public institutions and private players from many countries bordering the Mediterranean. This diversity of players has enabled the association to develop a global, multidisciplinary approach to the management of Mediterranean forests.
1st Mediterranean Forest Week
In April 2010, in Antalya, Turkey, a new dynamic was created for the preservation of Mediterranean forests. AIFM, in collaboration with the Silva Mediterranea Committee (FAO), organised the first Mediterranean Forest Week. This pioneering event brought together experts, researchers, policy-makers and practitioners from across the region. Together, they laid the foundations for a collaborative, cross-disciplinary approach to tackling the common challenges associated with the sustainable management of Mediterranean forests.
The challenges of the 21st century
Faced with the growing challenges of climate change, habitat fragmentation, forest fires and human pressure, AIFM has been involved in a number of projects aimed at improving the resilience of Mediterranean forests and promoting sustainable forest management practices. The 15th World Forestry Congress in 2015 was an opportunity for AIFM to raise its profile internationally. By organising a stand dedicated to Mediterranean forests, the association encouraged exchanges and collaboration between players from different backgrounds. This participation helped to position AIFM as a key player in the preservation of these unique ecosystems.
AIFM today: a key player
Today, AIFM is recognised as a key player in the preservation of Mediterranean forests. It regularly organises conferences, workshops and seminars to encourage exchanges between the various players involved. Thanks to its extensive network and recognised expertise, AIFM plays a decisive role in the development of forestry policies and the implementation of large-scale conservation and restoration projects. Photo opposite: In 2021, AIFM will sign a memorandum of cooperation with 5 partners with a wide range of specialities to create the Mediterranean Biodiversity Consortium to carry out integrated multi-biome projects around the Mediterranean.
Future prospects
The challenges of preserving Mediterranean forests continue to grow. The IAMF intends to pursue its actions by strengthening its collaboration with other players in forest management, developing new innovative projects and adapting to changes in the socio-economic and environmental context. Photo opposite: Signing of a memorandum of understanding between the IAMF, Tour du Valat and the Ministry of Agriculture, Hydraulic Resources and Maritime Fishing, represented by the Director General of Forests in Tunisia, Mr Naoufel Ben Haha, for the RESCOM project.
AIFM Values
Sustainability
Sustainability is at the heart of AIFM's concerns. The association promotes forest management practices that reconcile the current and future needs of local populations while preserving natural resources.
Collaboration
AIFM firmly believes in the need to network and develop solid partnerships with all the players involved in the management of Mediterranean forests. This collaborative approach makes it possible to pool knowledge, experience and resources, and to strengthen the impact of the actions undertaken.
Raising awareness
AIFM attaches great importance to raising public awareness and educating people about the challenges of conserving Mediterranean forests. It carries out numerous communication and training initiatives to promote a better understanding of forest ecosystems and the issues involved in their management.
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