The XIIIrd International seminar of the FONCIMED network will be held at the University of Évora, Portugal between 26th and 28th October 2022.

The Main topics of this Seminar entitled “Agricultural uses of water and intensification of production systems: what impacts on land resources?“ are:

Water is a fundamental and limited resource, which induces major risks at the global level. On the scale of the Mediterranean basin, the water constraint is already present and is likely to increase drastically in the coming years, giving rise to environmental and geopolitical tensions. In this context, the modalities of agricultural use of water have an impact not only on the balance between resources – water/soil/biodiversity/landscape – but also on land tenure systems.

In this context, we are witnessing major changes in agricultural systems, whether it be the evolution of traditional systems towards hyper-intensive modes of production, investments by multinational companies or changes induced by public policies in the north and south of the Mediterranean (CAP, Green Morocco Plan, etc.). The dynamics of intensification of traditional systems has been the subject of research, particularly with regard to its effect on water resources. On the other hand, the consequences of these changes on land structures in the strict sense, or territorial structures in the broader sense, by considering the economic, environmental and social dimensions, need to be further documented, taking into account in particular the implementation of regulatory tools and mechanisms.

The expected presentations will therefore aim to analyze the current dynamics of water resources use in relation to their consequences on land resources. The impact of changes on existing agricultural systems, the proposal of indicators or evaluation of changes, the proposal of adapted governance systems or the anticipation of foreseeable consequences, as well as proposals for alternative models of modernization of agriculture, more anchored on the territory, will be addressed.

The main focus of the seminar is on the relationship between water and land resources management, and will be the subject of a thematic publication. In addition, other research topics related to land tenure systems, usually discussed in the framework of the Foncimed network, and likely to offer a contemporary view on changes at work in Mediterranean agricultural systems, are also welcome and will benefit from a particular visibility within the program.

Important dates:

The call for papers are open until 23 May 2022.
Date of notification of acceptance: 27 June 2022
Deadline for registration to the seminar: from the acceptance of the abstract until 19 September 2022

For more detailed information please read this document.