With the aim of addressing the risk of desertification and soil degradation in the Asterousia Mountains area, the working group of the Hellenic Society for the Protection of Nature (HSPN) and the Natural History Museum of the University of Crete held an awareness and introductory event in Crete.

The action included a participatory planning and innovation workshop, which took place on February 13 at the Messara Agricultural School, at the Department of Young Farmers in Ampelouzos, in the Municipality of Gortyna, Heraklion Regional Unit, as part of the HORIZON MONALISA project.

During the event, the results of the NewLife4Drylands project  were presented. This project has been implemented in the same area, and its outcomes serve as the basis for the proposed pilot interventions, which focus on Nature-based Solutions (NbS).

A presentation followed on participatory processes and decision-making methods applied in Soil Restoration Plans, serving as preparation for the participatory workshop that took place afterwards.

Together with the students, the group explored the issues affecting the Asterousia region, proposed future solutions, and the obstacles/challenges facing the future of the area and the agricultural practices they currently apply.

In the second part of the workshop, participants were invited to examine specific NbS practices and the potential for applying them in cultivable and vulnerable areas in their region. This approach enhanced dialogue with the students, focusing on their real needs, experiences, and knowledge from local agricultural practice.

Special thanks to the Messara Agricultural School, to the school director and agronomist Mrs. Stella Chatzigeorgiou, to Mrs. Maria Tzompanaki, responsible for young farmer training programs and agronomist, and to Mr. Nikos Kounoupas, instructor of the class and Computer technologist at the Municipality of Hersonissos. A big thank you to all the students for their unwavering interest and active participation.

Read more about the project here .