During the MONALISA General Assembly in Bari, partners visited Alta Murgia National Park, one of the project’s Mediterranean Case Study sites. The field visit offered a direct look at the dryland landscapes, ecological dynamics, and land degradation challenges that shape the region, as well as ongoing efforts to support sustainable land and soil management.
Alta Murgia is a karst plateau shaped by centuries of pastoral activities, now facing pressures linked to climate change, erosion, shifts in grazing intensity, and land abandonment. The MONALISA Case Study is working with local farmers, cooperatives, and park authorities to co-design strategies that reinforce resilient grazing systems, soil conservation, and biodiversity protection.
STOP 1 – Pulicchio di Gravina
Discussion on landscape history and how long-term pastoral land use has shaped today’s mosaic. Participants examined how abandonment and changing land practices can influence degradation patterns.
STOP 2 – Quote di Pasquariello
A demonstration of fruit orchards integrated with grazing. The group discussed how mixed farming systems can support soil health, while unsuitable intensification or abandonment may increase vulnerability.
STOP 3 – Murge San Magno
Visit to abandoned pastures, illustrating how vegetation shifts and reduced grazing can alter ecosystem balance, biodiversity, and erosion risks. This highlighted the importance of monitoring and adaptive land use.
STOP 4 – Masseria Revinadli
Observation of wooded pastures, showcasing the ecological value of silvopastoral systems for soil organic matter, shade microclimates, and habitat structure.
Takeaways for MONALISA
The visit reinforced the need to:
Monitor and assess land degradation dynamics over time
Co-design practical restoration strategies with land managers
Integrate field observations into the MONALISA Dashboard and Decision Support System
By combining local knowledge, scientific evidence, and digital tools, MONALISA aims to support sustainable land stewardship across Mediterranean drylands.