Exploring Synergies with other projects

On May 13, 2024, a meeting was held online to explore possible ways of collaboration between the LandNet of the ResAlliance project (https://www.resalliance.eu), and the MEDAE network developed within the NATAE project (Natae – North African Transition to AgroEcology (natae-agroecology.eu). Both projects are funded by the European Union. To a large extent they share a similar vision and concerns (agroecology and landscape resilience in a context of climate change) and they both focus on the Mediterranean area. The participants of the meeting were Dr. Gavriil Xanthopoulos of the Hellenic Agricultural Organization DIMITRA representing the LandNet, Dr. Marion Comptour of the CARI association, on behalf of the NATAE project, and Dario Pollicino of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), which is an associated partner in both projects.

Following a fruitful discussion about the approaches of the two projects and their networks, it was agreed to maintain contact, to make each of the two networks known to the members of the other, to seek opportunities for exchanges of ideas and information, and to explore the possibility of some common future activities.

NATAE Consortium Meeting and General Assembly held in Tunis

From April 28 to May 4, the Consortium Meeting and General Assembly within the scope of the North Africa Transition to Agroecology and Sustainable Food Systems (NATAE) project took place in Tunis, Tunisia. The event brought together the 20 partners from the distinct scientific expertises to address pressing challenges in North Africa’s food systems.

The primary aim of NATAE is to engage the high-level of Research and Education institutions, international organizations, and specialized NGOs to showcase that agro-ecological approaches, tailored to the region’s diverse farming systems, can further provide effective solutions to food system challenges in North Africa.

The agenda included insights on the capitalisation process over agroecological practices, presentations for each Agrosystem from Living to Replicant Labs, some news shared about the launch of the MEDAE network to reporting of Communication and dissemination actions.

A visit to the Field of the Siliana Living Lab was further organized by Institut National Agronomique de Tunisie. A great experience in firsthand where NATAE partners were exposed to the innovative agricultural practices and sustainable solutions that are underway.

The NATAE partners were also able to enter in contact with the innovative agricultural practices and sustainable solutions underway for the successful Agroecology transition. The programme included some interactive workshops, presentations, and insightful discussions in topics related to Agroecology as a mode of production and sustainable food system to the Crop production specifications of the Participatory Guarantee System (PGS).

On the last day, an immersive experience was provided to the partners through the visit to the Permaculture Farm L’Heridium in Tunis along with nteractive workshops that involved the simulation of a PGS survey at the Heridium farm.