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Project Topic
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The general objective of the project SCALARE is to co-develop a comprehensive innovation ecosystem for advancing agroforestry land management systems in the Mediterranean. The framework will enable holistic co-assessment with relevant stakeholders of the opportunities offered by innovative agroforestry systems (e.g., diversified food production, adaptation and resilience, carbon sequestration, enhanced soil productivity, and improved water retention), while co-identifying options for scalability. It will also consider potential benefits from existing agricultural value chains, ecosystem services financing, and participation in carbon projects. In particular, the project will follow a Living Lab (LL) approach, with LLs being established in Egypt, Italy, Morrocco, Spain, and Tunisia. The LLs include demonstration sites on improved agroforestry systems. The impacts of these novel approaches will be evaluated using a comprehensive set of indicators, including the environmental, economic, and social dimensions. Moreover, unique and effective training materials will be developed that will inform practitioners about best practices and novel approaches, to boost the uptake of agroforestry systems where most beneficial. A central outcome of the project will be an expert system, synthesizing existing and new knowledge on Mediterranean agroforestry, which will serve stakeholders as a unique information platform and a decision support tool. The project will co-develop novel business models that capitalize on the multiple benefits offered by agroforestry systems and that have the potential to enhance agroforestry uptake further. In all parts of the project, special consideration will be given to women and individuals of vulnerable groups to deliver project results tailored to their needs and contribute to their empowerment
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