Social memory and the resilience of communities affected by land degradation

Based on evidence collected in 22 village communities from nine study sites situated in Spain, Italy, Greece, Morocco and China, this studyanalyses the complex interlinkages between social memory, community resilience and land degradation. Social memory is seen as animportant explanation regarding the ability of a local community to manage and cope with land degradation. Emphasis is placed on theimportance of three components of social memory—rites, traditions and social learning processes—for shaping community resilience incoping with land degradation processes. The study argues that although there are subtle differences between the 22 village communities,the loss of social memory and learning pathways associated with managing land degradation is emerging as a critical factor constrainingstakeholders from effectively responding to land degradation issues. C