Mediterranean Horizons: African Perspectives at the Med_net Meeting in Split

The historic city of Split, Croatia, recently served as the breathtaking backdrop for the latest IFLA Med_net meeting, bringing together landscape architects from across the Mediterranean basin to address the pressing environmental and cultural challenges of our shared region. Nestled between the dramatic mountains and the turquoise Adriatic Sea, Split provided not only a stunning setting but a profound reminder of the Roman and Mediterranean heritage that links our diverse nations.

A significant highlight of this gathering was the strong representation from the African continent. As a representative from AAPM, Morocco’s national association, I was honoured to join colleagues from Tunisia and Egypt. Our participation underscored the transregional nature of Med_net, bridging knowledge between IFLA Africa, IFLA Europe, and IFLA Middle East. Together, we shared the unique challenges facing North African landscapes—from access to the waterfront and climate resilience to the preservation of historic urban cores—ensuring that the African voice remains central to the Mediterranean dialogue.

The program was exceptionally demanding, reflecting the urgency of our collective mission. We engaged in one and a half days of intensive working meetings, where we hammered out strategies for future collaborations and the upcoming Med_net booklets. This was followed by a marathon conference day—extraordinarily full and long—featuring a wealth of presentations that showcased innovative projects and research from across the basin. The energy in the room and the presence of several engaged sponsors were a testament to the dedication of our professional community.

On a personal note, I was grateful for an extra day to experience the natural splendour of Marjan Hill. Walking through its shady Mediterranean forests, soaking up an immersion in nature and looking out over the city and the sea was the perfect way to reflect on the importance of the work we do in preserving such vital green lungs for our urban populations.

We owe a debt of gratitude to Ivan Tolić and the Croatian Association of Landscape Architects. Their warm welcome and excellent organization made this intensive week both productive and memorable.

About IFLA Med_net

Med_net is a collaborative group of landscape architects from countries that border the Mediterranean Sea, or that share its climatic, environmental or cultural conditions. It is a transregional group, including countries that are part of IFLA Europe, IFLA Middle East and IFLA Africa.

The primary mission of Med_net is to promote and foster the study of the Mediterranean environment, sharing information and best practices related to Mediterranean landscape valorisation, and to enhance professional knowledge of Mediterranean landscapes.

The network's primary activity is organising a spring seminar and congress, known as the Spring Meeting. These spring meetings are organised by the national host association and are international, multi-regional, cross-cutting, and open to all. We appreciate the continued support and collaboration of IFLA and IFLA Europe in ensuring the participation of all representatives, and also the support of our programme specific sponsors who generously supported the event.

Every few years, Med_net also collates a collection of ideas, projects, recommendations, and best practices that promote the understanding of new techniques for solving current and future problems in the countries of the Mediterranean basin. This collection of booklets addresses specific topics on a two-year cycle and is thematically coordinated with the spring meetings. The booklets are available in several languages (English, Italian, French, and Spanish).

To connect young people with their landscapes, Med_net is initiating a project called Med_net WINGS that seeks to give wings to new generations.

You can learn about Med_net here and follow us on Instagram here.‍