Regenerative agriculture and sustainable soil management for greater climate resilience and food security in the Mediterranean
Description
This course is designed for agricultural professionals, researchers, policymakers, and producers. Its objective is to provide advanced knowledge and practical tools for the design and implementation of regenerative agriculture and sustainable soil management practices adapted to Mediterranean agroecosystems. Faced with the urgent challenges of climate change and resource depletion in the region, a transition to regenerative models that ensure a sustainable and prosperous future is essential.
The course program addresses key topics such as strengthening climate resilience, improving soil health, optimizing water use, enhancing biodiversity, and ensuring food security in the face of complex environmental challenges. Participants will enjoy a comprehensive learning experience that combines lectures, interactive workshops, case studies, practical exercises, panel discussions with experts, and technical visits. All of this is designed to provide a deep understanding of the principles, benefits, and practical applications of these approaches and innovative strategies.
Program
- 0. Opening (1 hour)
- 1. The agroclimatic crisis in the Mediterranean: challenges for soils and food systems (1 hour)
- 2. Principles and pillars of regenerative agriculture (2 hours)
- 3. Soil health as a basis for the provision of ecosystem services (3 hours)
- 4. Dynamics and carbon sequestration (3 hours)
- 5. Water management and resilience: The lifeblood of Mediterranean farms (3 hours)
- 6. Socioeconomics and transition strategies (3 hours)
- 7. Case studies of integrated systems: agroforestry, silvopastoral, and rational grazing (1 hour)
- 8. Practical I: Diversified cropping systems and plant covers (3 hours)
- 9. Practice II: Direct seeding or minimum tillage in dryland crops (2 hours)
- 10. Workshop: Diagnosis and monitoring of soil health (3 hours)
- 11. Living labs to encourage the participation of multiple actors and establish alliances between public and private institutions (2 hours)
- 12. Group session: presentation of the current situation of regenerative agriculture in the countries of origin of the participants (2 hours)
- 13. Conclusions and final session (1 hour)
- 14. Technical visits (6h)
Contact:
Joaquín Balduque - Academic Coordinator iamz@iamz.ciheam.org
