The UDC team brings to ECOSPHEREWINES its experience in the study of physico-chemical and biological properties of soil, which define and limit its quality and/or functionality.
What results do you hope to achieve with the project?
This project aims to lay the foundations for the implementation of green infrastructure (GI) and nature-based solutions (NBS) in vineyard landscapes in Southwest Europe. This strategy will enhance the ecosystem services (ES) provided by vineyards and their environment, such as pollination, carbon sequestration and biodiversity, while increasing their resilience to climate change and its more direct consequences on crops (heat waves, droughts, extreme rainfall).
This landscape design based on ecosystem services will create a starting point for implementation in other agricultural landscapes, providing the basis for decision-making in vineyard landscape planning in both protected and unprotected environments.
What does it mean for the UDC to lead a work package of an Interreg Sudoe project?
Leading a work package in a SUDOE project provides an excellent opportunity for cross-border collaboration and innovation. Moreover, participating as a work package leader allows the university to strengthen its reputation at European level, also facilitating national and international networking. This not only benefits the current project, but also opens doors for future collaborations. Collaboration with the local community is also tremendously important for the university’s strategic objectives, which include collaboration in regional development.
Why do you think international cooperation is key in an initiative like ECOSPHEREWINES?
ECOSPHEREWINES aims to provide solutions to common problems in the SUDOE region, while promoting transnational cooperation and cohesion. The current challenges associated with climate change and the sustainable management of agricultural systems transcend territorial boundaries. This cooperation allows all regions to benefit from the experience and resources, and also generates a more visible impact by amplifying the results and facilitating their dissemination.
Collaboration in this case with Portuguese and French partners with extensive experience in the management and exploitation of vineyard landscapes is enabling a holistic view of these farming systems to be incorporated, from the challenges they face to the opportunities they offer.
What is the UDC‘s technical contribution to ECOSPHEREWINES?
The UDC team has extensive experience in the study of the physical-chemical and biological properties of soil, which define and limit its quality and/or functionality. The team also has experience in the evaluation of soil erosion, the impact of agricultural and forestry practices on water quality and dynamics, the use of geographic information system (GIS) tools and the implementation of conservation and ecological agriculture measures.
Looking to the future, what do you think it will mean for you to have participated in this project?
One of the fundamental roles of the university is to strive to collect information and scientific advances from different areas and regions with similar problems, to adapt and transfer them to the local scale, and to actively engage in solving local challenges. In this context, the participation of the UDC in the SUDOE project offers a valuable platform to boost regional development, while expanding its network of national and international contacts. This allows the university to take a proactive role in the European research and innovation agenda.