Download deliverable 8.7 – Report on implementation of LDN methodology

Summary

The Deliverable D8.7 summarizes the activities carried out within WP8 – Task 8.3 of the LIFE CLIMAXPO project, aimed at applying the Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN) methodology to the pilot basin of the Versa stream (Oltrepò Pavese) and translating the results into operational tools and actions for soil degradation management. These actions were implemented with the support of a trained facilitator, whose role was to raise awareness among farmers and local administrators in the pilot area on issues of land degradation and risk mitigation. The Versa basin was selected for its representativeness of the project’s focal issues: hilly and flat morphologies, strong viticultural specialization, physically heterogeneous soils and areas affected by erosion and instability. These characteristics required an integrated approach combining cartography and agronomic management practices. Territorial characterisation was carried out through the integration of DUSAF, DTM/DEM (20 × 20 m) and farm parcel data (SISCO), producing altimetry and slope maps and analysing land-use classes. The data show an increase in built-up areas, a reduction of agricultural land, growth of areas undergoing natural recolonisation (shrubs and young woodland), and a slight reduction in active vineyard area. Slope analysis of vine areas showed that most surfaces lie on slopes <10% (2,596.6 ha, 292 farms), a substantial portion on 10–20% slopes (1,526.8 ha, 249 farms) and a limited portion on 20–35% slopes (23.3 ha, 34 farms). These criteria guided the selection of farms involved in the field trial.

The facilitator, trained and engaged in fortnightly methodological alignment meetings, contributed to planning field visits and coordinating the involvement of selected vine growers. Based on defined criteria (parcel location within the basin, slope ≥10% and remotely sensed estimate of inter-row grass cover <30%), a questionnaire was administered to a sample comprising 17 farms selected from the dataset (11 of which responded) plus 4 additional farms identified by the facilitator through field experience.

The questionnaire, organised in two sections (farm information and level of awareness), collected data on agronomic practices implemented at farm scale, including inter-row grassing, soil management, fertilisation and soil organic matter content, as well as perceptions of erosion processes, climatic impacts and willingness to participate in training activities.Responses revealed:

• reported adoption of inter-row grassing by seven farms, despite preliminary satellite estimates indicating <30% grass cover

• widespread perception of issues related to surface runoff, gully and rill erosion and localised instability

• strong interest in mitigation and climate-adaptation practices, although this interest has not consistently translated into participation in recent training initiatives.

With the support of the Facilitator and the District Stakeholders Board (ISPRA, UNIPV, UNICATT SC PC, FSVOP, UTR Pavia, RL DG Territorio), and based on the evidence gathered and requests emerging from questionnaires, an operational programme of territorial capacity-building and engagement was defined along two complementary lines:

• periodic coordination tables for alignment among municipalities, technicians, farmers and trade associations

• awareness raising and training activities, including informative meetings, visits to case study farms and technical demonstrations.

The dissemination and training activities were conceived as operational measures for the first application and diffusion of the LDN methodology, strengthening coordination among institutions and local actors. Examples include technical roundtables, exchanges with stakeholders and vine growers, and training initiatives focused on Nature-Based Solutions, vineyard soil fertility and mitigation of hydro-geological instability. To support these activities operationally, a Web-GIS application is under development, as required by the task. The tool is based on the RUSLE model, incorporating the soil management factor (P), and allows estimation of erosion as potential soil loss (t·ha⁻¹·yr⁻¹) for different management scenarios (e.g. inter-row grassing, soil tillage, adoption of buffer strips). The application enables direct comparison between scenarios and allows users to visualise potential erosion associated with each parcel, representing a practical decision-support tool for facilitators and stakeholders.

Further work is needed for the experimental calibration of the P coefficient, requiring additional research and literature review. Overall, Task 8.3 activities demonstrated the effectiveness of an integrated approach combining cartographic analysis, field surveys and participatory stakeholder engagement. The evidence collected provides a solid basis for planning targeted mitigation interventions and supporting local governance actions through shared solutions. Key challenges ahead include:

• strengthening stakeholder participation in training activities

• continuing territorial engagement and capacity-building initiatives

• completing the development of the final Web-GIS application for operational use

Introduzione

Nel presente documento vengono descritte le attività svolte nell’ambito del Task 8.3 del progetto LIFE ClimaxPo, finalizzate all’applicazione dei principi e della metodologia LDN (Land Degradation Neutrality) a supporto dei processi decisionali di gestione e governance del territorio.

L’obiettivo dell’azione è raggiungere condizioni di non incremento del degrado del suolo e, ove possibile, di riduzione dello stesso, nella consapevolezza che un territorio non degradato presenta maggiore resilienza e capacità di adattamento agli effetti del cambiamento climatico. Il risultato atteso è un approccio operativo replicabile, sia all’interno dell’area di progetto sia in altri contesti territoriali. Le attività preparatorie sono state svolte nel WP4.4 del progetto (“LDN baseline and shared indicators”) e, in coerenza con lo stakeholder board istituito nel Task, hanno portato a:

• individuare l’area pilota in cui valutare lo stato di degrado del suolo: il bacino del torrente Versa nell’Oltrepò Pavese

• identificare gli indicatori da utilizzare nell’analisi del degrado e nel monitoraggio della LDN

• calcolare l’indicatore SDGs 15.3.1, previsto tra gli Obiettivi di Sviluppo Sostenibile dell’Agenda 2030 delle Nazioni Unite, per quantificare lo stato di degrado tra il 2015 e il 2023, rispetto alla baseline 2000–2015

• selezionare e attivare un tecnico “facilitatore”, incaricato di trasferire i principi della LDN agli enti gestori e alle aziende del territorio e tradurli in azioni concrete.

La metodologia LDN si è dimostrata uno strumento efficace per analizzare i cambiamenti nella percentuale di superficie degradata, permettendo di stimare l’estensione delle aree interessate dal degrado del suolo, come riportato nel Deliverable 4.4. Nel WP8 – Task 8.3 è stato previsto un ulteriore passaggio operativo, dedicato alla comunicazione dei risultati e alla sensibilizzazione delle autorità locali e degli stakeholder. Questa fase si è sviluppata attraverso incontri dedicati al progetto CLIMAXPO e alla metodologia LDN, in linea con gli obiettivi del task. I capitoli successivi descrivono nel dettaglio le azioni realizzate sul territorio, finalizzate sia all’implementazione delle basi informative, sia alla prima applicazione operativa della metodologia LDN, attraverso attività di informazione, sensibilizzazione (“awareness raising”) e coinvolgimento degli stakeholder locali.

Download deliverable 8.7 – Report on implementation of LDN methodology