The final conference of the European project NewLIFE4DryLands took place successfully from 14 to 16 May 2024 at the Botanical Garden of Rome, marking the completion of our three-year efforts for the restoration and sustainable management of dry and degraded areas across Europe.
Over the course of the three days, participants had the opportunity to attend a series of presentations and discussions covering the international institutional framework and policies related to drylands, as well as to learn about similar initiatives and future strategies. The conference opened with a welcome address by Stefano Laporta, President of the Italian Institute for Environmental Protection and Research (ISPRA), followed by a presentation of the project by ISPRA senior researcher Paolo Macetti. The programme continued with contributions on existing and upcoming actions to combat desertification, opportunities for collaboration within the EU, and calls for new project proposals.
The second day was dedicated to a thorough review of the project’s achievements, focusing on the technologies, methodologies, and restoration processes developed, as well as on communication and dissemination activities. The day concluded with a discussion on how the results can be applied at the national level.
