Fostering networking and exchange of information in the Mediterranean region: The MEDCOASTLAND Thematic Network1

Land degradation and desertification represents one of the most striking sets of processes affecting the Mediterranean Region causing persistent deterioration of the physical, chemical and biological properties of the land components, especially the soil. Land degradation, then, results in loss of overall productivity, which in turn impairs sustainable development. This is particularly evident in the Southern Mediterranean, with entire landscapes no longer able to maintain their productive functions. Although many EU-funded research projects have succeeded in collecting information and understanding physical processes of land degradation, their impact on the territory has been rather poor partly due to the still existing communication gaps between institutions/scientists and land users. The lack of networking among different Mediterranean countries and the lack of integration between physically driven and income-product generating criteria are proving to further aggravate the situation. In addition, a real participatory approach involving scientists, decisionmakers, and local communities is still missing. In order to fill these gaps and to foster exchange of information in the region through the establishment of a task force involved in combating land degradation, the MEDCOASTLAND Thematic Network was set up. The main objective of the Network is to contribute to the sustainable development, planning and management of natural resources in the Mediterranean through dissemination of existing research results derived from previous projects. The dissemination is done via the Internet, five workshops, and one international conference. These events will be organised over the period 20022006. There are 13 countries (from south Europe, North Africa, Middle and Near East) participating in the Network making a total of 36 partners, of whom 18 are research and educational institutions, 9 represent decision makers and the remaining 9 partners are farmers associations and/or non governmental organisations (NGOs). The International Centre for Advanced Mediterranean Agronomic Studies (CIHEAM) through the Mediterranean Agronomic Institute of Bari, in Italy is coordinating the project.