Farm and land system dynamics in the Mediterranean: Integrating different spatial-temporal scales and management approaches

Résumé En

The Mediterranean (macro-)region is characterized by its unique bio-physical, socio-political, and culturalconditions when considered at the global scale. Nonetheless, at the same time this is an extremely heterogeneousand diverse region, as is reflected in the heterogeneous and dynamic mosaic of farm and land systems developedalong a long history throughout which they have tightly adapted to the frequent scarcity and irregularity ofnatural resources. Such long-scale trajectory of adaptation has resulted in a wide range of traditional rural andperi-urban landscapes hosting a rich biodiversity and bearing multiple social and cultural values. Throughoutrecent history, and especially over the past two decades, Mediterranean farm and land use systems have beenundergoing multiple transition processes, resulting in many current landscapes gradually becoming morehomogeneous and intensified, whilst others are being abandoned. It has now become self-evident that bothtrajectories of change are evolving at unequal rates and scales across the region. This process too frequently leadsto the degradation of the valuable cultural, social, territorial and natural capital of the region. This demandsurgent and innovative initiatives, either private, public or mixed, that are effective to reverse current trends ofdegradation, and move towards higher degrees of sustainability and resilience.The aim of this Special Issue is to synthesize and critically review key elements current research on farm andland system dynamics in the Mediterranean region, and to discuss land use management and governance fra-meworks in place at multiple spatial-temporal scales and institutional levels to foster increased sustainability andresilience. Papers in this SI address historic and envisaged future changes in the region, focusing on the com-plexity of interactions at the farm and landscape levels. Furthermore, papers in the SI also address the role andinteractions with non-farming-related land uses (i.e. urban and/or conservation). The SI covers key contexts,conceptual frameworks, challenges, approaches, methods and alternatives in place to provide with a picture ofthe current situation and, more importantly, of likely potential pathways for the future improvements. The needfor further integration across scales, methods and approaches is finally acknowledged.