This Service Design Lab focuses on developing a framework to assess drought vulnerability in the Messara Valley and Asterousia Mountains of Crete, Greece. It brings together regional authorities, local stakeholders to co-design foresight scenarios and mitigation strategies for desertification — the process through which fertile land becomes degraded due to climate change and unsustainable human activities.
The SDL aims to establish an integrated socio-techno-ecological methodology to tackle soil degradation and desertification
in the Region of Crete.
It will:
Land degradation in the area stems mainly from unsustainable agricultural practices, overgrazing, and human pressures, all exacerbated by climate change.
Users
Farmers’ associations and individual farmers, Local irrigation associations, water
utilities, Agronomists, Environmental organizations,
NGOs
Stakeholders
Regional government and local
authorities
Agricultural Development
• Declining economic viability of livestock farming
• Unsustainable practices and reduced social trust
• Water supply shortages
Land Degradation & Biodiversity Loss
• Overgrazing and vegetation loss
• Deforestation
• Soil erosion
• Damage to sensitive ecosystems
Social Capital & Governance
• Conflict between livestock breeders and farmers
Agricultural Development
• Limited irrigation water
• Declining food production
• Reduced economic viability
• Unsustainable practices and reduced social trust
Land Degradation & Biodiversity Loss
• Loss of soil carbon and fertility
• Soil erosion and groundwater pollution (nitrates, organics)
• Decline in biodiversity
• Decrease in groundwater and surface water levels
Following the eLTER “Whole System Approach” and the Water–Energy–Food–Ecosystem (WEFE) Nexus, the SDL will:
Initiate co-design with the Regional Government of Crete and define a collaborative framework.
Identify and assess alternative solutions
(technological, ecological, or social) to mitigate desertification impacts.
Present proposed solutions to stakeholders to test feasibility, identify
barriers, and prioritize actions.
Stakeholders evaluate and rank solutions based on effectiveness and feasibility.
Deliver education and training activities to enhance adaptive capacity.
Implement a strategy to share outcomes, lessons learned,
and best practices.
