Support for the transformation of economic models impacting biodiversity and water in the Mediterranean with Watershift
Context
Supporting the transformation of economic models in the Mediterranean
The Mediterranean basin is experiencing increasing pressure on water resources, exacerbated by climate change, agricultural intensification, and ecosystem degradation. Recurring droughts weaken food production, territories, and biodiversity.
This crisis affects both visible water and "green" water retained in soils, which is essential for ecosystem functioning and agricultural resilience. Its reduction disrupts natural cycles and increases the vulnerability of environments.
In light of these limits, it becomes essential to reduce water demand by transforming economic models: revising practices, integrating biodiversity into decisions, preventing rebound effects, and making supply chains compatible with the ecological capacities of the territory.
A systemic approach to these issues, which integrates environmental, entrepreneurial, and social challenges, is necessary to resolve them.
service
Developing, testing, and demonstrating sustainable economic models
Vertigo Lab created the WaterShift project, which focuses on transforming the economic models of actors in the Mediterranean that impact biodiversity and water resources. The ambition was to establish an operational and autonomous regional mechanism.
In partnership with Birdlife and IUCN, we developed, tested, and demonstrated the feasibility of sustainable economic models, with two axes:
- Identifying sustainable practices of local actors and developing virtuous economic models regarding water resources and biodiversity;
- Activating financial levers to engage the transformation of economic models for better consideration of water-related issues and biodiversity preservation.
Discover our achievements: the territorial diagnosis of the agriculture, tourism, and salt production sectors in the Mediterranean, as well as the guide for implementing good practices for local actors in the Mediterranean. Also, check our Good Practice sheets on: Organic farming, Agroforestry, Fertigation, Integrated pest management, Decision support systems, Water reuse (or REUSE), Conservation agriculture, and Water-saving incentives.
BENEFITS
Strengthening the agroecological transition and reducing pressure on water resources
The WaterShift project allowed for both the valorization of sustainable practices, accelerating their adoption, and creating the necessary conditions for their dissemination.
By structuring economic models compatible with biodiversity preservation and reducing water demand, the project offers Mediterranean actors a robust framework for sustainably engaging in their transition.
The project led to the creation of the Watershift association, marking a key milestone: it ensures the continuity of the work initiated and allows for the direct operationalization of the identified levers in agricultural and territorial sectors.
The + Vertigo Lab
Recognized and cross-disciplinary expertise in agroecology, water, and economic models to support the transition of Mediterranean territories.
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