Research project

EU_COF_NEWLIFE4DRYLANDS_PM (DTA.AD004.360)

Thematic area

Earth system science and environmental technologies

Project area

Osservazione della Terra (DTA.AD004)

Structure responsible for the research project

Institute of Atmospheric pollution Research (IIA)

Other structures collaborating in the research project

Project manager

PAOLO MAZZETTI
Phone number: 0555226591
Email: paolo.mazzetti@cnr.it

Abstract

NewLife4Drylands project proposal deals with the specific need set by the "Life-Environment" subprogramme "Restoration of desertified land through nature-based solutions" to contrast the soil degradation leading to desertification, by using Nature-Based Solutions (NBS). NewLife4Drylands aims to provide a framework and a protocol for identifying sustainable solutions that could be successfully implemented in degraded drylands e.g. restoration land activities aiming to improve vegetation cover and productivity in those areas where desertification processes are undergoing (vulnerable areas). In addition, the project will develop specific techniques to monitor failures and successes of restoration activities. The monitoring systems would allow obtaining long term monitoring, instead the usual short-term monitoring campaigns, in order to evaluate restoration activities effectiveness and improve the sustainable soil management. The utilisation of Earth Observation tools enable to obtain the evaluation over time with lower costs than through in-situ monitoring visits, overcoming also possible difficulties on accessing to areas under consideration.

Goals

This project has its focus on developing a protocol for the identification of dryland characteristics and for a mid and long-term monitoring of restoration interventions of desertified lands through the use of remote sensing techniques. Remote Sensing (RS) can complement the lack of long term, reliable
and homogeneous in situ information, usually rather timely and cost expensive. The protocol is based on high resolution Earth Observation (EO) data and applying remote sensing methodologies.
Moreover, it provides a clear, specific and costless assessment of the restoration process useful for further decision-making in interventions.

Start date of activity

01/01/2021

Keywords

Osservazione della Terra, Nature Based Solutions, Restoration

Last update: 06/12/2023