Farm and land system dynamics in the Mediterranean: Integrating different spatial-temporal scales and management approaches.

Abstract

The Mediterranean (macro-)region is characterized by its unique bio-physical, socio-political, and cultural conditions when considered at the global scale. Nonetheless, at the same time this is an extremely heterogeneous and diverse region, as is reflected in the heterogeneous and dynamic mosaic of farm and land systems developed along a long history throughout which they have tightly adapted to the frequent scarcity and irregularity of natural resources. Such long-scale trajectory of adaptation has resulted in a wide range of traditional rural and peri-urban landscapes hosting a rich biodiversity and bearing multiple social and cultural values. Throughout recent history, and especially over the past two decades, Mediterranean farm and land use systems have been undergoing multiple transition processes, resulting in many current landscapes gradually becoming more homogeneous and intensified, whilst others are being abandoned. It has now become self-evident that both trajectories of change are evolving at unequal rates and scales across the region. This process too frequently leads to the degradation of the valuable cultural, social, territorial and natural capital of the region. This demands urgent and innovative initiatives, either private, public or mixed, that are effective to reverse current trends of degradation, and move towards higher degrees of sustainability and resilience.

The aim of this Special Issue is to synthesize and critically review key elements current research on farm and land system dynamics in the Mediterranean region, and to discuss land use management and governance frameworks in place at multiple spatial-temporal scales and institutional levels to foster increased sustainability and resilience. Papers in this SI address historic and envisaged future changes in the region, focusing on the complexity of interactions at the farm and landscape levels. Furthermore, papers in the SI also address the role and interactions with non-farming-related land uses (i.e. urban and/or conservation). The SI covers key contexts, conceptual frameworks, challenges, approaches, methods and alternatives in place to provide with a picture of the current situation and, more importantly, of likely potential pathways for the future improvements. The need for further integration across scales, methods and approaches is finally acknowledged.