Code
F04
Sector
Forest
The complete description of the NWRM
Summary

There is some evidence to suggest that loss of tree cover on Mediterranean hill slopes has altered weather patterns, which in turn have altered precipitation amount and timing. Modelling results suggest that Mediterranean precipitation regimes are very sensitive to variations in air temperature and moisture. Land use change and associated deforestation may have led to changes from and open monsoon-type regime with frequent summer storms over inland mountains to a regime dominated by closed vertical atmospheric recirculation where feedback mechanisms suppress storms over the coastal mountains and lead to increased summer time sea surface warming. This warming leads to torrential rains in autumn and winter. These rains can occur across the Mediterranean basin. This can be exacerbated by greenhouse heating associated with air pollutants.  Targeted afforestation in some parts of the Mediterranean may be one means of combating drought and desertification. However, caution should be taken when choosing areas for afforestation to avoid possible adverse effects, as there is some evidence that afforestation in dry environments, especially in montane areas, may decrease water yield and cause water deficit in the downstream rivers. Local tree species should be used to reduce risks to biodiversity.

Illustration(s)
Possible benefits with level
Benefits Level
BP2 - Slow runoff
High
BP1 - Store runoff
High
BP5 - Increase evapotranspiration
Medium
BP6 - Increase infiltration and/or groundwater recharge
Medium
BP7 - Increase soil water retention
Medium
BP10 - Reduce erosion and/or sediment delivery
Medium
BP8 - Reduce pollutant sources
Medium
BP9 - Intercept pollution pathways
Medium
BP11 - Improve soils
Medium
BP13 - Create riparian habitat
Low
BP14 - Create terrestrial habitats
Medium
BP15 - Enhance precipitation
High
BP16 - Reduce peak temperature
Medium
BP17 - Absorb and/or retain CO2
Medium
ES1 - Water storage
High
ES3 - Natural biomass production
High
ES4 - Biodiversity preservation
Medium
ES5 - Climate change adaptation and mitigation
High
ES6 - Groundwater/aquifer recharge
High
ES7 - Flood risk reduction
Medium
ES8 - Erosion/sediment control
High
ES9 - Filtration of pollutants
High
ES10 - Recreational opportunities
High
ES11 - Aesthetic/cultural value
High
PO1 - Improving status of biology quality elements
Medium
PO2 - Improving status of physico-chemical quality elements
Low
PO3 - Improving status of hydromorphology quality elements
Low
PO4 - Improving chemical status and priority substances
Low
PO5 - Improving quantitative status
Low
PO6 - Improving chemical status
Low
PO7 - Prevent surface water status deterioration
Low
PO8 - Prevent groundwater status deterioration
Low
PO9 - Take adequate and co-ordinated measures to reduce flood risks
Medium
PO10 - Protection of important habitats
Low
PO11 - Better protection for ecosystems and more use of Green Infrastructure
Medium
PO12 - More sustainable agriculture and forestry
Medium
PO14 - Prevention of biodiversity loss
Medium

Case studies per NWRM