Local communities, researchers and institutions join forces to address climate change through WEFE Nexus solutions that improve water management while sustaining ecosystems, agriculture, and local livelihoods. Water scarcity, drought, and climate change are placing increasing pressure across the Mediterranean region. However, the challenges affecting water resources vary significantly from one landscape to another. While extreme aridity and recurrent droughts are impacting the Arganeraie Biosphere Reserve in Morocco, the wetlands and lagoons of the Po Delta in Italy are facing issues related to sea-level rise, saltwater intrusion, and irregular flooding.
In response, the RES-MAB project is supporting Biosphere Reserves across the region in implementing practical, locally adapted solutions to improve water management while sustaining ecosystems, agriculture, and local livelihoods.In the Arganeraie Biosphere Reserve (Morocco), new water infrastructure is being developed to enhance resilience to drought. Key actions include the construction of water storage reservoirs and basins, the installation of drip irrigation systems, and the use of technological tools to optimize irrigation efficiency.
In the Dana Biosphere Reserve (Jordan), the RES-MAB project is actively contributing to improving water resources through several interventions. These include the rehabilitation of ancestral water channels, such as the historic Al-Bayda channel, to revive traditional irrigation systems. Efforts are also focused on improving water availability from local springs to support both ecosystems and local communities, integrating nature-based solutions with cultural heritage.
In the Jabal Moussa Biosphere Reserve (Lebanon), partners are mapping water sources and rehabilitating traditional hydrological structures, including springs and water infrastructure. Local workers are being trained in spring restoration techniques, strengthening traditional hydro-agricultural systems that support farmers and pastoralists.
In the Škocjan Caves Biosphere Reserve (Slovenia), the project promotes rainwater harvesting techniques linked to buildings and raises awareness about sustainable agriculture and locally adapted crop varieties that require less water.
In the Mont-Ventoux Biosphere Reserve (France), farmers are collaborating to test agroecological practices that improve soil water retention and help adapt agricultural systems to climate change. Winemakers are also contributing by recycling bottles, reducing water use in the production process.
In the Po Delta Biosphere Reserve (Italy), the project is strengthening collaboration among municipalities, fisheries associations, and water authorities to improve water management in lagoon ecosystems and support sustainable aquaculture.
In the Alto Bernesga Biosphere Reserve (Spain), extensive livestock farming depends on springs, basins, and watering holes maintained throughout the valleys. These water sources also serve as habitats for many species, including frogs, newts, and toads.
Running from 2024 to 2027,T the RES-MAB project Running from 2024 to 2027 and is funded by the PRIMA Foundation and brings together research institutions, government agencies, and NGOs from across the Mediterranean region. Led by the Forest Science and Technology Centre of Catalonia (CTFC), the project unites ten partners linked to UNESCO Biosphere Reserves in Spain, Jordan, France, Italy, Slovenia, Morocco, and Lebanon. These partners include the Alto Bernesga Biosphere Reserve Foundation (Spain), the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature (Jordan), Mont-Ventoux Natural Regional Park and the Organization for the Defense and Management of AOC Ventoux (France), the Veneto Regional Park of Po Delta Authority and Istituto Oikos (Italy), the Public Institute Park Škocjan Caves (Slovenia), the National Agency for the Development of Oases and Argan Zones (Morocco), and the Association for the Protection of Jabal Moussa (Lebanon).
The project focuses on UNESCO-designated Biosphere Reserves—areas recognized for their role in balancing human activity with nature conservation. Through RES-MAB, seven demonstration sites across the Mediterranean are being transformed into “living laboratories” for testing and implementing innovative Water-Energy-Food-Ecosystems (WEFE) solutions.
At the core of the initiative is the WEFE Nexus approach, a holistic framework that recognizes the interdependence of water, energy, food, and ecosystems. By integrating WEFE management, RES-MAB contributes to building more resilient landscapes and strengthening climate change adaptation.
Among its key objectives, the project aims to develop a WEFE Nexus Socioecological Modelling Tool (WEFE-SEM Tool) to support informed decision-making among stakeholders and local communities. It also seeks to integrate this tool into existing policies and development plans, co-create and implement seven climate-resilient WEFE solutions [AB1] across the demonstration sites, and assess their environmental and socio-economic impacts.
Additionally, RES-MAB promotes sustainable market solutions and private sector engagement through innovative business models. It builds on other existing initiatives such as the Mediterranean WEFE-Nexus Community of Practice, the International Centre for the Mediterranean Biosphere Reserves (UNESCOMED), the Mediterranean Biosphere Reserves Network (MedMAB), and the previous EDUBIOMED Erasmus+ project, ensuring strong continuity and avoiding duplication of efforts.
By fostering climate-resilient landscapes and sustainable development in Biosphere Reserves, RES-MAB delivers wide-ranging benefits across the Mediterranean region. These include enhanced food security, improved water and energy management, strengthened biodiversity conservation, better livelihoods for local and vulnerable communities, and the development of innovative solutions for climate change adaptation and mitigation.
RES-MAB represents a significant step forward in addressing the climate crisis in the Mediterranean. Its success relies on the active engagement of stakeholders at all levels—from policymakers to local communities and entrepreneurs. Through this collaborative effort, the project is driving meaningful socio-ecological and economic transformation while strengthening resilience to climate change across Mediterranean Biosphere Reserves.
For more information about the RES-MAB project, visit: https://www.resmab.eu/