From 22 to 24 April 2026, the Alta Murgia National Park hosted a three-day research mission in the framework of the MONALISA project, bringing together researchers from CNR and visiting researchers from Taiwan.

The study visit, organised by CNR, took place under the theme “Conservation and Restoration of Ecosystem Services for Promoting Biodiversity” and provided an opportunity to present MONALISA activities in the Alta Murgia case study, while fostering international exchange on land restoration, biodiversity conservation and ecosystem services.

The mission began on 22 April at CNR-IIA in Bari, with a presentation session introducing the MONALISA project and its work in the Alta Murgia area. The session offered an overview of the project’s objectives and the role of the Italian case study in testing and promoting innovative solutions to prevent and reverse land degradation and desertification.

On 23 April, the programme focused on the contribution of social sciences to understanding land management and restoration practices. Participants met with a local pastoralist to discuss traditional agro-pastoral practices and their role in shaping the landscape. The delegation also visited the Torre di Nebbia Study Centre, an important institution connected to the history, management and policies of the Alta Murgia National Park. The day concluded with a visit to the Altamura Man Museum, which preserves the remains of a Neanderthal discovered in the area.

On 24 April, the focus shifted to natural sciences and field-based monitoring. Participants visited the Eddy covariance tower used for monitoring carbon fluxes, discussed wildfire dynamics in the Murgia region, and explored restoration areas where Nature-based Solutions have been implemented.

The study visit involved CNR researchers Cristina Tarantino, Rocco Labadessa, Saverio Vicario, Fabio Michele Rana, Sabino Maggi, Maria Patrizia Adamo, Silvana Fuina, Lisa Sella and Francesca Silvia Rota. The visiting researchers from Taiwan included Prof. River Jr-Chuan Huang from National Taiwan University, and Prof. Herlin Chien and Dr. Chung-I Chen from the National Pingtung University of Science and Technology.

By combining field visits, scientific exchange and dialogue with local actors, the mission highlighted the importance of interdisciplinary and international cooperation in addressing land degradation, promoting biodiversity and supporting resilient ecosystems.

The activity was carried out in the framework of WP2, Task 2.1, contributing to MONALISA’s work on case study engagement, knowledge exchange and the co-development of solutions for land degradation and desertification.