+ SOIL + LIFE

Description

This project is needed because it contributes to the reduction of social and economic disparities in Europe because it increases the resilience and responsiveness of actors in the PNVG, to climate change (expected result) and develops a replicable model in other regions.

Territorial Program + SOIL + LIFE - Adaptation and mitigation of Climate Change and fight against desertification, in the Guadiana Valley Natural Park, is a pilot project for the design, implementation and evaluation of a territorial program to boost Climate Change adaptation and mitigation and to reduce vulnerability to desertification.

The program + SOIL + LIFE, with a participatory approach, will empower local actors, especially farmers, to adopt good pastoral practices, through a model of local-based governance, which will ensure its sustainability over time.

This result will be achieved through good practices that will be implemented, in a total of 94 hectares, specifically in Monte do Vento, certified organic production and demonstration center of good practices, and other sites, to make an open and inclusive process. The good practices to be implemented will focus on the following habitats identified as priorities in the notice and present in Monte do Vento, with the following habitat classifications: 92d0 - Southern riparian galleries and scrub (Nerio-Tamaricetea and Securinegion tinctoriae), 4030 - European dry heaths and 6220* - Sub-steppe grasses and annuals of the Thero-Brachypodietea. The best practices to be implemented allow an intelligent response to climate change, given the drought situation.

Summary of project results

The +SOLO+VIDA project was designed to combat desertification, adapt to climate change, and mitigate its impacts in the Natural Park of the Guadiana Valley. The region, characterized by Mediterranean ecosystems, faces significant challenges from soil degradation, loss of biodiversity, and water scarcity. Farmers and local stakeholders required tailored strategies to adopt sustainable agricultural and forestry practices. Additionally, weaknesses in local governance and the lack of practical solutions for climate resilience and land restoration were critical barriers that the project sought to address.

The project implemented a comprehensive set of activities focusing on environmental restoration, governance, knowledge sharing, and capacity building. Key initiatives included:

1. Environmental Restoration:

   • Managed 180 hectares using sustainable practices, exceeding the initial target of 94 hectares.
   • Conducted selective clearing of vegetation, installed herbivore protection measures, and restored riparian zones using native plant species.

2. Capacity Building and Training:

   • Organized five thematic workshops, including:
     • Electric fencing for pasture management.
     • Holistic grazing planning and adaptive management.
     • Botanical identification of pasture vegetation.
     • Water and soil management techniques for erosion control.
     • Composting practices for recycling livestock by-products into soil nutrients.

3. Governance Development:

   • Partnered with the University of Évora (MED) to develop a governance model.
   • Conducted surveys and diagnostic studies involving 40 local stakeholders to identify challenges and opportunities in agricultural practices.
   • Held workshops and meetings with farmers and policymakers to ensure inclusive decision-making.

4. Knowledge Dissemination:

   • Produced a manual compiling 10 best practices in sustainable agriculture and forestry.
   • Created a user-friendly digital platform and social media channels to share project findings with a wider audience.

5. Public Engagement:

   • Collaborated with local and international organizations, including a visit by FAO representatives, to promote the project’s initiatives.
   • Hosted public events and seminars to discuss the results and encourage replication of successful practices.

The project achieved significant environmental, social, and governance-related impacts, benefiting multiple stakeholders:

• Environmental Benefits:

  • Reduced desertification risk over 91 hectares, implementing measures to enhance soil fertility and water retention.
  • Increased biodiversity through the establishment of native groves and riparian restoration.

• Community Empowerment:

  • Directly engaged 16 farmers in implementing sustainable practices on their lands.
  • Trained over 80 participants, including farmers and technical staff, in workshops aimed at building capacity for long-term sustainable land management.

• Governance Improvements:

  • Developed an adaptive governance model tailored to the PNVG, which now serves as a framework for collaborative decision-making among farmers, conservationists, and policymakers.

• Replication Potential:

  • Produced accessible resources, including a best-practices manual and digital tools, to facilitate the adoption of similar measures in other regions.

Summary of bilateral results

The project significantly strengthened bilateral relations between Portugal and Norway through targeted collaboration and knowledge exchange. This partnership addressed shared challenges related to desertification and sustainable land management by integrating Norwegian expertise and local knowledge, resulting in the development of governance models and sustainable practices that directly benefited the Natural Park of the Guadiana Valley. The exchange of methodologies and experiences fostered a deeper understanding of effective climate adaptation strategies among the entities involved, enhancing mutual knowledge and capacity. Furthermore, the governance model and best practices developed within the project are now being considered for replication in other European regions facing similar environmental challenges, showcasing the broader impact of this bilateral collaboration.