On May 6th, 2025, the DRYAD Project held a regional workshop in Mérida, Extremadura (Spain), to bring together local stakeholders and foster co-learning around the development and implementation of Nature-based Solutions (NbS) for Dehesa landscapes. Organized by our partners at Universidad de Extremadura (UEx), ICATALIST, and FEDEHESA, the event took place at the University Center of Mérida and gathered a total of 26 participants.
During the workshop, the Nature-based Solutions (NbS) proposed by DRYAD were presented to the local stakeholders. They shared their perceptions, identifying benefits, challenges, and implementation concerns. Overall, the proposed NbS were well-received as valuable strategies to strengthen the resilience of Mediterranean agro-ecosystems, and none were dismissed outright. Nevertheless, biodiverse grass seed sowing, real-time livestock monitoring, and the restoration of natural water courses were seen as less relevant or applicable in the regional context.
Among the most significant barriers to implementation, participants highlighted the high cost of some solutions, the lack of technical and legislative knowledge in specific areas (such as drought management or pest control for threats like the cerambyx beetle), and a general dependency on external expertise and funding. The control of cerambyx beetles emerged as a critical concern, with participants pointing to the need for technical support and solutions like nest boxes for insectivorous birds or sugar-wine-water traps as low-cost yet effective options.
Discussions also revealed that public policies don't align with the priorities of the farmers and their experiences of which NbS and management techniques work best. Practices like regenerative rotational grazing, which are currently not supported or promoted by policies and incentives, were cited as a key opportunity to deliver multiple socio-ecological benefits. Participants also emphasized the need for public funding to support new technologies, including the use of GPS collars for virtual fencing and drones for land management, though they noted that such innovations often require complex permit processes.
In terms of benefits, most NbS were associated with improved farm profitability, greater climate resilience, and increased productivity thanks to the improvement of the soil quality. Measures such as the use of biochar and the protection of regenerated trees and shrubs were seen as the NbS with fewer implementation challenges, whereas drainage or early detection of tree mortality faced greater technical and bureaucratic problems. Participants noted that these more complex measures typically depend heavily on external technical support and are affected by regulatory issues.
Additionally, hydrological measures received considerable attention during the workshop. Although restoring or altering natural water courses presents clear ecological potential, participants emphasized that implementing such actions demands a strong understanding of Spain’s complex Water Law. In areas of Dehesa, where rivers and streams are limited, these solutions can be difficult to apply and may introduce challenges such as increased erosion. Legal obligations can further restrict options, like the construction of dry dams.
The workshop concluded on a positive note, with strong interest and commitment from stakeholders to actively engage in the community of practice and continue exploring locally adapted Nature-based Solutions through the DRYAD Project. This event marked a valuable step towards reinforcing collaboration and aligning regional knowledge with practical, sustainable land management efforts.
Take a look at the photos from the event!
