Sustainable land management strategies and policies amidst climate- and human-caused land degradation complexities

This chapter explores the dynamics of land degradation and desertification in Mediterranean Europe. Land degradation manifests as the deterioration of biological and economic productivity due to soil erosion, fertility loss, and shifts in vegetation cover exacerbated by unsustainable land practices. The Mediterranean region faces distinct challenges stemming from its delicate ecosystems and historical land use practices. Drawing on established frameworks, the study proposes an integrated framework for assessing desertification risk across the Mediterranean basin. It advocates for enhanced monitoring systems and decision support tools to guide effective policy interventions and ensure resilience in vulnerable landscapes. Regular and comprehensive assessments are crucial for monitoring the evolution of land degradation processes amidst climate variability. This approach seeks to promote resilience and biodiversity conservation in Mediterranean landscapes.