Research project EcoFABULAnds

Summary

The ecoFABULAnds project responds to the critical imperative for transformative changes in European landscapes, aiming to forge futureproof, biodiverse, and sustainable agricultural systems. Embracing a multi-actor approach rooted in community-driven transformation, we endeavor to revolutionize food production, distribution, and consumption based on principles of circular economy. This journey commences in five Living Labs spanning a spectrum of typical European landscapes besieged by urgent challenges and crises. From the lush, rolling countryside of South Ireland to the urban expanse of Berlin-Brandenburg, from the rugged terrain of South Tyrol, to the agricultural heartland of South Hungary, and the sun-drenched shores of Cyprus, each locale grapples with its unique set of obstacles. Yet, amidst adversity, local communities and key stakeholders unite to co-create and refine agroecological solutions tailored to specific regional and supra-regional needs and opportunities.

The main objectives include identifying and implementing best-suited agroecological practices, redesigning agroecosystems, and exploring mechanisms for mainstreaming successful solutions into the agrifood system at the landscape level. By fostering cross-sectoral and multi- stakeholder dialogue, ecoFABULAnds empowers bottom-up initiatives and integrates them into existing or innovative governance structures to drive and mainstream agroecological transition pathways.

Each living lab tells a unique story of innovation and adaptation to local contexts. The Irish Living Lab is part of a wider co-learning initiative for deep, holistic and systemic understanding of place. It applies the bioregion concept to drive effective landscape restoration and regeneration. By co-authoring a manifesto for resilient food systems and developing a community-led portfolio of nature-based innovations, it fosters the transition toward thriving and sustainable futures. futures. In Berlin-Brandenburg, the focus is on innovating urban-rural linkages to address land competition between food production and urbanization, while in South Hungary, traditional horticulture and orchards are revitalized to combat food deserts, promote sustainable livelihoods and enhance landscape biodiversity. In South Tyrol, organic farming and the sustainable use of traditional medicinal plants are emphasized to preserve cultural heritage and biodiversity, despite climate warming challenges. Finally, in Cyprus, the project explores circular production-consumption models, fostering bio-based transitions for sustainable agriculture on the island.

The ambition is to provide practical solutions for transforming regional production - consumption systems towards inclusivity, adaptability, and cross-sectoral collaboration. By fostering regional partnerships, building political commitment, and demonstrating good practices, ecoFABULAnds aims to stimulate innovation, economic growth, and behavioral change towards more sustainable production - consumption systems. Through dissemination, communication, and exploitation actions, the project seeks to maximize its impact by sharing findings, inspiring broader societal transformation, and empowering communities to lead the transition towards healthier, environmentally-friendly, and socially equitable production - consumption systems.

Publications

The Research Group "Multifunctional Landscapes," led by Ina Säumel, has maintained a fruitful collaboration with the Free University of Bozen, Italy, for several years, producing a series of highly cited publications on landscape ecology, agroecology and cultural heritage topics. Their latest study, the first within the ecoFABULAnds project, titled “Voices Around the South Tyrolean Herbal Pharmacy—Exploring the Stakeholder Landscape and Perspectives on Medicinal Plants as Culturally Salient Species” (Gerner, Zerbe, Säumel), sheds light on the deep-rooted cultural significance of medicinal plants in South Tyrol. The research highlights the pivotal role of women in knowledge transfer and addresses socio-political challenges limiting sustainable and commercial use. It calls for coordinated multi-stakeholder strategies to preserve and integrate these traditional practices into contemporary healthcare and community life.

> Bridging Tradition and Innovation: New Insights from South Tyrol’s Herbal Heritage

Living Labs

You can find our Living Labs under 'Updates' on top of this page!