How can we better understand soil systems under pressure and how can this knowledge be translated into effective policies and actions?

These questions were at the heart of MONALISA’s participation in the EGU General Assembly 2026, where Francesca Assennato (ISPRA) contributed to discussions spanning both scientific research and policy frameworks.

Understanding soil, vegetation and landscapes under pressure

MONALISA was part of Session SSS9.6, which focused on the interactions between soils, vegetation and landforms under rapid environmental change.

The session explored how climate and land-use pressures are affecting ecosystems such as forests, agricultural landscapes, rangelands and wetlands. These pressures are driving:

• soil degradation
• erosion and desertification
• salinisation and nutrient loss
• loss of ecosystem services

A key message of the session was that these processes are often nonlinear, involving tipping points that can significantly alter ecosystem stability.

The discussion also highlighted the importance of integrated approaches, combining modelling, long-term observations, remote sensing, participatory methods, as well as solutions such as conservation agriculture, agroforestry and nature-based approaches to improve soil health and resilience.

Within this context, MONALISA contributed to advancing knowledge on how soil systems function and respond to pressures, supporting the development of tailored, place-based solutions for land restoration.

From science to policy: the Soil Monitoring Law

In addition to the scientific session, Francesca Assennato also presented work in Session SSS12.2, focusing on the policy dimension of soil protection.

Her contribution, “The Soil Monitoring Law between the preparation of the law and the path to national implementation. Reasoning for the Italian case,” addressed the ongoing development of the Soil Monitoring and Resilience Directive and its implementation at national level.

The presentation highlighted how the Directive represents a key step toward establishing a coherent legal framework for soil protection in Europe, addressing:

• sustainable soil management
• remediation of contaminated sites
• soil biodiversity and carbon storage
• soil health in relation to climate and ecosystems

A central focus was the Italian case, where preparations are underway to transpose the Directive into national legislation. This process requires:

• coordination between administrations
• development of harmonised monitoring systems
• identification of soil units and sampling strategies
• allocation of human and financial resources
• engagement with stakeholders and the public

The presentation emphasised the need for an integrated and systemic approach to soil governance, linking environmental policy, agricultural practices and spatial planning.

Bridging research, policy and practice

Together, these contributions highlight the importance of connecting scientific understanding with policy development and implementation.

For MONALISA, this alignment is essential. Addressing land degradation and desertification requires not only data and research, but also effective governance frameworks, monitoring systems and stakeholder engagement.

Participation in EGU26 provided an important platform to share MONALISA’s approach, contribute to scientific and policy discussions, and strengthen collaboration across disciplines and sectors.

As pressures on soil systems continue to increase, such exchanges are key to advancing soil resilience, sustainable land management and long-term environmental protection.