Rome, Italy

Land degradation and desertification in the Mediterranean is becoming increasingly pronounced due to climate change and increasing pressures on agricultural and forest land. This has negative implications for ecosystem services, climate change mitigation, food security and the social, economic and political sectors. The combination of all of these factors requires concerted efforts toward sustainable land and water management.

With this in mind, in June 2022 an Implementation Agreement was signed between FAO and the Universitá di Sassari to develop the capacities of farmers and spur innovation in sustainable land and water management (SLWM) in the Mediterranean and North Africa region.

The objective of the Agreement is to increase technical capacity and expertise through the implementation of the SALAM-MED project: Sustainable approaches to land and water management in the Mediterranean Drylands in North Africa and the Mediterranean.  SALAM-MED looks to foster innovation in SLWM in these regions and it addresses three key SDGs: SDG2. End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture; SDG6. Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all; and, SDG15. Life on Land.

FAO and the Universitá di Sassari will coordinate activities to offer capacity development training in SALAM-MED hotspots. Publications and information briefs will be published to share project results. In an effort to improve the visibility of the SALAM-MED Project, the partners will participate in events at global level attended by broad audiences including SLWM practitioners, policy-makers and academia. The SALAM-MED Project is expected to run through July 2025.

For FAO, this agreement helps to further the four betters which represent an organising principle for FAO to contribute to the SDGs through the transformation to MORE efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable, agrifood systems for better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life, leaving no one behind.