On December 20, 2024, the MONALISA project team held an online meeting with representatives from the Joint Research Centre (JRC) to discuss Task 5.4, focusing on fostering a strong Community of Knowledge (KC) to tackle desertification across Europe and the Mediterranean. This collaboration marks a significant step in enhancing research, policy, and stakeholder engagement to advance sustainable land management practices.

The meeting highlighted the framework for the KC, designed with three levels of engagement through 3 levels:

• Core Community – Researchers and policymakers deeply involved in project activities.
• Community of Interest – Stakeholders with a moderate level of involvement.
• General Stakeholders – Those primarily receive project updates and insights.

To facilitate meaningful collaboration, 4 thematic clusters were identified socio-economic assessment, environmental assessment, agronomic solutions and technologies and monitoring technologies

JRC representatives welcomed the initiative and emphasized the importance of linking MONALISA with past and ongoing projects such as DESIRE, SOILS4MED, and SHARING-MED. They noted that MONALISA aligns with European Commission priorities, including the Soil Mission, which has secured nearly €1 billion in funding for research and innovation in soil management and desertification mitigation.

The meeting underscored the need to build synergies with European research and policy frameworks. Notably:

• EUSO Stakeholders Forum & Soil Monitoring Law: JRC is developing a dashboard for desertification monitoring, which could integrate MONALISA’s findings.

• Mediterranean Collaboration: Given the European Commission’s dedicated focus on the Mediterranean region, there is an opportunity for MONALISA to contribute to regional policy development.

• Potential Large-Scale Event: A major conference on desertification was proposed for 2026, bringing together MONALISA, Terrasafe, JRC, and other key stakeholders.

Future Steps & Long-Term Impact

The meeting concluded with commitments to:

• Finalize the Plan for KC Engagement

• Organize the first Community Meeting

• Maintain engagement with JRC for technical exchanges and collaborations

• Establish Open Calls for Young Researchers and periodic Café Talks.

• Plan for a physical conference in 2027

The MONALISA WP5 meeting with JRC reinforced the project’s ambition to create lasting scientific and policy impacts in the fight against desertification.

By leveraging expert networks, research synergies, and targeted engagement strategies, MONALISA is well-positioned to contribute to European and global soil sustainability efforts.

Stay tuned for more updates on our collaborative initiatives and upcoming events!