The MONALISA project delivered significant contributions toward combating land degradation and desertification (LDD) across European and Mediterranean drylands. The project results range from methodological frameworks and tools to practical solutions implemented in case study areas. MONALISA facilitated the development of new indicators, management scenarios, and technological innovations such as AI algorithms and decision support systems (DSS). It also created extensive capacity-building initiatives, engaging stakeholders, scientists, and land managers while advancing policy recommendations and commercial exploitation strategies.

The expected outcomes of the MONALISA project include a comprehensive understanding of the socio-economic and climatic drivers, extent, and impacts of various types of land degradation, such as water scarcity, vegetation loss, and soil erosion, in both natural and agricultural systems of arid and increasingly arid areas. This knowledge, accurately measured at relevant scales and tied to specific land uses, is shared widely among key stakeholders. Additionally, the project demonstrates the economic viability and environmental effectiveness of solutions for desertification prevention and land restoration, including soil protection, water retention, biodiversity preservation, and increased land resilience to drought. Land managers in desertification-prone areas will gain enhanced access to these context-specific solutions and the conditions under which they are effective. Furthermore, sustainable soil and water management practices will expand, improving moisture retention and soil organic matter management across diverse land-use types and regional contexts.