On 11 November 2025, OurMED partners: UfZ, UNISS, TUC, UNIPR and ESIM participated in the conference “Rethinking the Future of Mediterranean Land and Water” held in Athens, an initiative led by the PRIMA project SALAM-MED in collaboration with OurMED and NATMed. The event brought together experts, PRIMA-funded projects, decision-makers and young researchers to discuss innovative strategies for tackling the challenges of Mediterranean drylands.
Throughout the day, participants explored nature-based solutions, governance approaches, and new pathways for land and water resilience in the region. A strong focus was also placed on science diplomacy and on the role of intergenerational collaboration in shaping future strategies.
One of the highlights of the event was the contribution of the NextGen4MED initiative, a joint action of SALAM-MED, OurMED and NATMed, which aims to empower young professionals from both the public and private sectors, fostering a collaborative Mediterranean community.
Key discussions of the conference included:
- Sharing key findings from ongoing PRIMA projects
- Showcasing scalable, nature-based solutions for Mediterranean drylands
- Strengthening dialogue between science, policy and society
- Supporting youth engagement through NextGen4MED
The event concluded with the preparation of a Joint Declaration, capturing shared commitments to reinforce cooperation and drive sustainable land and water management in the Mediterranean.
