Hydro-meteorological risks, including floods, droughts, and landslides, are exacerbated by climate change and urbanization worldwide. In our 15 years installing… Among the different policies and actions proposed at the international, European, and national level, Nature-Based Solutions (NBSs) are currently addressed as suitable strategies for mitigating these hazards, as well as supporting the transition to sustainable and resilient development for cities and territories.
Specifically related to the main impacts that hydro-meteorological phenomena have on agriculture, NBSs can be considered suitable strategies, especially for mitigating soil erosion and providing sustainable water management. These innovative approaches not only tackle erosion and nutrient transport but also provide solutions for water conservation, which is essential for sustaining agricultural activities in such climates.
However, despite the growing interest, the use of NBSs in agricultural landscapes to address issues stemming from environmental degradation, disasters, and climate vulnerability is still only supported by limited evidence. This research aims to address this gap by assessing the adoption and application of NBSs in the agricultural sector of Southern Italy, focusing on the regions of Apulia and Basilicata.
Challenges Facing Agricultural Landscapes
The Apulia and Basilicata regions in Southern Italy face a range of environmental challenges that threaten the sustainability of their agricultural sector. Prominent issues include:
Drought and Water Scarcity
These regions experience a Mediterranean climate with mild, low-rainfall winters and hot, dry summers. Rainfall is unevenly distributed, with the Gargano area receiving the highest annual precipitation (1,100-1,200 mm) and the Tavoliere area the lowest (below 450 mm). The summer season is typically dry, with rainfall generally below 30 mm, leading to frequent drought conditions that impact agricultural productivity.
Soil Erosion
The predominantly flat terrain with some hills and limited mountains makes the regions susceptible to soil erosion, particularly during intense rainfall events. Runoff and flash floods are common, leading to the loss of valuable topsoil and reducing land productivity.
Water Pollution
Agricultural activities, including the use of fertilizers and pesticides, contribute to the degradation of surface and groundwater resources in the regions. Nutrient-rich runoff and chemical contamination threaten the quality of water bodies and surrounding ecosystems.
Biodiversity Loss
The expansion of intensive agriculture, coupled with land use changes and development, has led to the decline of natural habitats and a reduction in local species diversity. Preserving biodiversity is a critical challenge for sustainable land management in these regions.
Nature-Based Solutions for Agricultural Resilience
In response to these pressing environmental issues, Nature-Based Solutions (NBSs) offer a promising approach to enhance the resilience of agricultural landscapes in Apulia and Basilicata. NBSs are defined as “solutions that are inspired and supported by nature, which are cost-effective, simultaneously provide environmental, social, and economic benefits, and help build resilience.” These solutions leverage the features and processes of nature to address societal challenges in a sustainable manner.
Several NBSs have demonstrated their potential to address the specific challenges faced by the agricultural sector in Southern Italy:
Agroforestry
Integrating trees and shrubs into agricultural landscapes can enhance biodiversity, provide shade, and improve microclimates, thereby contributing to climate change adaptation and mitigation.
Wetlands
The restoration and creation of wetlands can help regulate water flow, filter pollutants, and provide important habitats for a diversity of species, addressing both flood and water quality concerns.
Bioswales
These vegetated, shallow channels are designed to slow and filter stormwater runoff, reducing soil erosion and nutrient transport.
Cover Crops
Cultivating protective plant cover between main crop cycles can shield the soil, enhance its structure, and encourage biodiversity, helping to control erosion and improve soil health.
Riparian Buffers
Establishing vegetated areas along waterways can intercept and filter agricultural runoff, improving water quality and providing valuable habitat corridors.
Incentivising NBS Adoption through Policy
While these NBSs hold great promise, their widespread adoption in agricultural landscapes remains limited. Overcoming the barriers to implementation requires a comprehensive policy approach that incentivises farmers to integrate these nature-based strategies into their land management practices.
Economic Incentives
Providing financial support through subsidies, tax credits, or payments for ecosystem services (PES) can help offset the initial costs and risks associated with implementing NBSs. These economic incentives can make the long-term benefits of NBSs more appealing to farmers, who often focus on short-term profitability.
Technical Assistance
Offering farmer training, demonstration projects, and extension services can help build the necessary knowledge and skills to successfully implement NBSs. Providing technical guidance on the selection, design, and maintenance of appropriate NBS measures can increase their adoption.
Regulatory Frameworks
Integrating NBSs into existing agricultural policies, such as the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and regional rural development programs, can create a supportive regulatory environment. By aligning NBS implementation with policy objectives, farmers can be incentivised to adopt these nature-based approaches.
Stakeholder Engagement
Engaging farmers, local communities, and other stakeholders in the planning and implementation of NBSs is crucial for ensuring their long-term success. Incorporating local knowledge, addressing concerns, and fostering a sense of ownership can increase the acceptance and sustainability of these nature-based interventions.
Monitoring and Evaluation
Establishing robust monitoring and evaluation frameworks to assess the performance, benefits, and trade-offs of NBSs in agricultural settings can provide the necessary evidence to inform policy decisions and fine-tune implementation strategies. Continuous learning and adaptation are essential for the successful scaling up of NBSs.
Realising the Potential of NBSs in Agriculture
By addressing the key environmental challenges facing agricultural landscapes in Southern Italy through a comprehensive policy approach, the adoption of NBSs can be significantly incentivised and scaled up. Through a combination of economic incentives, technical support, regulatory frameworks, stakeholder engagement, and rigorous monitoring, the resilience and sustainability of the agricultural sector can be greatly enhanced.
The successful implementation of NBSs in agriculture can not only address pressing environmental issues but also provide a range of additional benefits, such as improved food security, climate change adaptation, and the preservation of essential ecosystem services. By recognising the value of nature-based approaches and aligning them with agricultural policy objectives, farmers can become active stewards of the land, contributing to the long-term viability and resilience of the agricultural sector in the face of evolving environmental challenges.
Tip: Implement real-time monitoring to swiftly respond to flood risks
