A webinar to discover new solutions against desertification

On the occasion of World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought, on June 17, experts from two European projects outline strategies to counter the problem and share their experiences

by Matteo Cavallito

 

What are the main social and technological innovations that can strengthen resilience to degradation in drylands? What are the main nature-based solutions and their potentials? These are the questions that will be answered in the webinar “Innovations for tackling desertification”, an initiative carried out by TERRASAFE and MONALISA, two European projects created with the common goal of tackling land degradation in drought-affected territories. The event (click here for registration) is scheduled for June 17, on World Day to Combat Desertification.

Desertification affects 170 countries

“As climate change escalates, we need new solutions to tackle the growing threat of desertification more urgently than ever,” the organizers explain. “Given the huge variation in the nature, causes and contexts of desertification, however, no one-size-fits-all solution exists. A range of measures is needed to address the problem.” A problem of enormous impact, moreover, as recalled in particular by the UN emphasizing the weight of these processes in the global scenario.

“Desertification, land degradation, and drought,” UN experts explain, “are among the most pressing environmental challenges of our time, with up to 40% of all land area worldwide already considered degraded.”

Defined as land and soil degradation in drylands, desertification is promoted by several factors. These include extreme weather events, loss of fertility, and declining availability of water supplies. According to the Institut de recherche pour le développement (IRD), a research organization based in Marseille, global desertification currently affects 3.2 billion people in 170 countries. The list includes 14 European Union nations (latest one been added is France).

Experiences in Europe and North Africa

The webinar features contributions from important speakers. These include Benz Kotzen of the University of Greenwich, Gustavo Viera Ruiz of Gestión y Planeamiento Territorial y Medioambiental, a public agency in the Canary Islands, and Leigh Winowiecki of the Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR) in Bogor, Indonesia. Several topics on the agenda.

The meeting will discuss experiences with rainwater collection and reforestation efforts in isolated mountain areas affected by desertification. But also the role of communities and their involvement in combating desertification in Europe and North Africa, and recent advances in soil and territory health monitoring. Finally, an overview of current project activities will be provided.

The TERRASAFE and MONALISA projects

Active in Spain, Italy, Romania, Tunisia and Cyprus until 2029, the TERRASAFE project aims to “empower local communities in southern Europe and northern Africa to confront the growing threats of desertification.” A goal to be achieved through joint activities such as development, implementation and cost-effectiveness assessment. In addition to the dissemination and promotion of natural, technological and social innovations for the prevention of degradation and land restoration.

The MONALISA project (MONitoring and Assessing prevention and restoration soLutIons to combat deSertificAtion) also aims to prevent and combat land degradation and desertification by operating in the arid areas of the Mediterranean. Coordinated by the University of Sassari (UNISS), the initiative operates in 9 countries. It involves several partners including the Higher Institute for Environmental Protection and Research (ISPRA) and Re Soil Foundation, which is a member of the project’s stakeholder group.