From 19 to 23 July 2026, MONALISA partner Rocco Labadessa from the National Research Council of Italy (CNR) participated in the 21st Eurasian Grassland Conference, held in Sofia, Bulgaria.
Organised by the Eurasian Dry Grassland Group (EDGG), a working group of the International Association for Vegetation Science, and hosted by the Institute of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Research at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, the conference brought together researchers, early-career scientists, conservation experts and practitioners working on natural and semi-natural grassland ecosystems across the Palaearctic region.
Connecting grassland research with practical conservation
Held under the theme “Connecting science and conservation for grassland sustainability,” the conference focused on strengthening the relationship between scientific research, grassland-management practices and conservation objectives.
The programme addressed the biodiversity, classification, functions and management of grassland ecosystems, combining keynote lectures, oral and poster sessions, opportunities for international exchange and a field visit to Vitosha Nature Park.
Around 60 participants attended the international event, creating opportunities to exchange knowledge and discuss how research findings can support the long-term conservation and sustainable management of grasslands.
Grasslands in the context of land degradation and restoration
Grasslands provide essential ecological functions, support rich biodiversity and contribute to local livelihoods. At the same time, they are exposed to pressures such as changing land use, inappropriate management, habitat loss and climate change.
These challenges closely relate to MONALISA’s work on understanding the drivers and impacts of land degradation and identifying tailored solutions for sustainable land management and ecosystem restoration. The project combines scientific knowledge, digital tools and stakeholder collaboration to support locally grounded action across Mediterranean drylands.
Rocco Labadessa’s participation provided an opportunity to connect MONALISA with the wider scientific and conservation community working on grassland sustainability. The event was particularly relevant to project activities examining innovative land-management and restoration practices, as well as the exchange and dissemination of knowledge among researchers and environmental and biodiversity-conservation stakeholders.
Strengthening international scientific exchange
Conferences such as the Eurasian Grassland Conference create valuable space for discussing research approaches, learning from different regional experiences and identifying shared priorities for grassland conservation.
By participating in this international exchange, MONALISA continues to strengthen links with researchers and practitioners working to protect biodiversity, improve land-management practices and enhance the resilience of vulnerable ecosystems.
These connections support the project’s broader objective of promoting scientifically sound, environmentally effective and locally adapted solutions to prevent and reverse land degradation and desertification in Europe and the Mediterranean.
