The Mediterranean region, shaped for centuries by a mix of farming, grazing, and woodland landscapes, known as agro-silvo-pastoral systems, is now facing increasing pressure from climate change. Rising temperatures, prolonged droughts, and more irregular rainfall are putting both ecosystems and rural livelihoods at risk.
To respond to these challenges, the DRYAD project promotes Nature-based Solutions (NbS)—approaches that work with nature to strengthen the resilience of these landscapes while supporting people and local economies.
Within this context, Deliverable 4.1, “Report on the Selection of Nature-based Solutions for Mediterranean Agro-silvo-pastoral Ecosystems,” provides a clear framework to identify and select the most suitable solutions for these systems.
NbS bring multiple benefits. They help retain water, recharge groundwater, and maintain soil moisture, making landscapes more resilient to both droughts and heavy rainfall. They also improve soil quality, support biodiversity, and contribute to climate action. At the same time, they can boost local economies by increasing farm productivity, creating green jobs, and supporting rural communities.
The report identifies 13 nature-based solutions, grouped into three main categories and described in a consistent way. This approach helps compare options, supports decision-making, and facilitates the application and scaling of NbS across different regions:
- Water solutions: ways to store and manage water (e.g., drainage ditches, temporary ponds, small farm ponds, and actions to keep water clean)
- Soil solutions: better land and farming practices (e.g., smarter grazing, improving soils with biochar, planting diverse pastures, and reducing wildfire risk)
- Biodiversity solutions: actions that support plants and wildlife (e.g., planting trees, creating small habitat areas, protecting trees, and detecting early signs of tree decline)
Farmers, land managers, and regional stakeholders were actively involved in selecting and prioritizing these solutions, ensuring they are practical, locally adapted, and more likely to be adopted.
NbS are not isolated actions but part of a broader strategy. By combining nature, innovation, and local knowledge, DRYAD is helping build more resilient Mediterranean landscapes—capable of sustaining both people and nature in a changing climate.