MONALISA project: understanding land degradation drivers and impacts to provide effective solutions to combat desertification

The MONALISA project (MONitoring and Assessing prevention and restoration soLutIons to combat deSertificAtion), is an Innovation Action Horizon project aimed at preventing and reversing Land Degradation and Desertification (LDD) across Mediterranean drylands. The project will address the complex issue of land degradation and desertification (LDD) in Mediterranean drylands, which are under increasing climatic pressure and have limited adaptive capacity.

The main objectives are to identify and promote innovative, tailored solutions to combat LDD in European and Mediterranean drylands and to provide a methodological framework to assess and monitor LDD risk while enhancing soil productivity across diverse land uses, including agriculture and agroforestry. To achieve these goals MONALISA will integrates scientific knowledge, local practices, advanced digital systems, artificial intelligence and remote sensing technologies. The project will address the “last mile” challenge by fostering collaboration between researchers, policy-makers, and land managers to ensure the adoption and scalability of these solutions.

The project results will range from methodological frameworks and tools to practical solutions implemented in case study areas. MONALISA will facilitate the development of new indicators, management scenarios, and technological innovations such as artificial intelligence algorithms and decision support systems (DSS). It will also create extensive capacity-building initiatives, engaging stakeholders, scientists, and land managers while advancing policy recommendations and commercial exploitation strategies.

The results will facilitate the understanding of drivers and impacts of various types of LDD in arid areas, their extent and localization. and this knowledge will be shared among key stakeholders. Additionally, the project will demonstrate the economic viability and environmental effectiveness of solutions for desertification prevention and land restoration, including soil protection, water retention, biodiversity preservation, and increased land resilience to drought.