RECARE: Preventing and remediating degradation of soils in Europe through land care

Although there is a large body of knowledge available on soil threats in Europe, this knowledge is fragmented and incomplete, in particular regarding the complexity and functioning of soil systems and their interaction with human activities. The main aim of RECARE is to develop effective prevention, remediation and restoration measures using an innovative trans-disciplinary approach, actively integrating and advancing knowledge of stakeholders and scientists in 17 Case Studies, covering a range of soil threats in different bio-physical and socio-economic environments across Europe. Within these Case Study sites, we will

• assess the current state of degradation and conservation, using a new methodology, based on the WOCAT (World Overview of Conservation Approaches and Technologies) mapping procedure;
• quantify impacts of degradation and conservation on soil functions and ecosystem services in a harmonized, spatially explicit way, accounting for costs and benefits, and possible trade-offs;
• evaluate prevention, remediation and restoration measures selected and implemented by stakeholders in a participatory process will be evaluated regarding efficacy, and
• asses the applicability and impact of these measures at the European level using a new integrated bio-physical and socio-economic model, accounting for land use dynamics as a result of for instance economic development and policies.

Existing national and EU policies will be reviewed and compared to identify potential incoherence, contradictions and synergies. Policy messages will be formulated based on the Case Study results and their integration at European level. A comprehensive dissemination and communication strategy, including the development of a web-based Dissemination and Communication Hub, will accompany the other activities to ensure that project results are disseminated to a variety of stakeholders at the right time and in the appropriate formats to stimulate renewed care for European soils.

Cyprus Case Study

The research in Cyprus focuses on soil erosion in the steep mountainous terrain of the Troodos. Around the small rural communities in the mountains, large areas have been converted into agricultural terraces. The population of these mountain communities has decreased substantially over the past 30 years. As a result, many of these terraces are no longer cultivated and maintained, causing a domino effect of collapsing terraces. Uncontrolled growth of vegetation also makes the land susceptible to forest fires, which could lead to further land degradation. We aim to map and model these terraced areas and identify critical drainage pathways and degradation hotspots. We plan to involve a wide variety of stakeholders to develop sustainable options and institutions for terrace management.

Project Brochures: English | Greek

CyI Researchers

Adriana Bruggeman

Corrado Camera

Hakan Djuma

Elias Giannakis

Manfred Lange

Christos Zoumides

Contact Person

Adriana Bruggeman

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Tel.: +357 22208620