On 17 June 2026, the MONALISA project was presented during the workshop “CUSTODES – Desertification Processes and Land Stewardship,” held at the Department of Agricultural Sciences of the University of Sassari in Sardinia, Italy.
The event was organised by the Desertification Research Unit (NRD), together with the Department of Agriculture and the Department of History, Human and Education Sciences at the University of Sassari. It brought together around 50 representatives from academia, professional practice, the productive sector and the wider community to discuss current challenges related to soil degradation, desertification and sustainable land management.
Connecting research, policy and practical experience
The programme combined scientific presentations on emerging European regulations related to soil degradation with a roundtable involving researchers, practitioners and representatives of the productive sector.
This combination created space to discuss both the scientific understanding of desertification processes and the practical responsibilities involved in protecting and restoring land. Particular attention was given to the role of land stewardship and to the importance of cooperation between research institutions, professionals, businesses and local actors.
The workshop highlighted how effective responses to land degradation require more than technical solutions alone. They also depend on shared knowledge, coordinated action and a strong connection between European policy priorities and the realities experienced at territorial level.
Presenting MONALISA and related restoration initiatives
During the event, Giovanna Seddaiu from the University of Sassari presented the work of the MONALISA project, including its case-study activities and the solutions being explored to prevent and reverse land degradation.
The day also featured the CUSTODES and PRIMA NBS360 projects, offering a valuable opportunity to present complementary research initiatives addressing desertification, sustainable land management and nature-based restoration.
Bringing these projects together demonstrated how European and international research can contribute to locally relevant action. It also showed the value of exchanging approaches, experiences and lessons across initiatives working towards healthier soils and more resilient landscapes.
Strengthening dialogue with the territory
The participation of academic representatives, land-management and restoration practitioners, productive-sector actors and members of the public supported a broad discussion on the future of land stewardship in Sardinia and beyond.
For MONALISA, events such as this one are important for sharing project knowledge, increasing awareness of land degradation challenges and ensuring that research remains connected to stakeholder needs and territorial realities.
By strengthening the dialogue between science, policy and practice, MONALISA continues to support the development and uptake of locally adapted solutions for preventing land degradation, restoring ecosystem functions and improving long-term landscape resilience.
