NRD - Desertification Research Centre
NRD, founded in 2000 by prof Giuseppe Enne, is focused on developing and managing research and cooperation projects in different areas of research directly or indirectly related with desertification.
In particular, NRD researchers have been involved in the study of physical, biological and socio-economic aspects of desertification and land degradation in the Mediterranean, with particular reference to the impact of agricultural policies and agropastoral activities.
Networking and training initiatives are also an important part of NRD work. The NRD group has promoted several events and activities aiming at favouring the exchange of data and experiences at the international level and at promoting scientific training of young researchers from European and non-European Countries.
UPEACE and UNISS sign MoU to collaborate on research and academic programs
A high-level delegation from the University for Peace (UPEACE), led by Rector Prof. Francisco Rojas Aravena, has arrived in Italy and signed an MoU with the University of Sassari, represented by Vice Rector Prof. Andrea Fausto Piana.
The two universities will collaborate on research and academic programs, starting with a PhD in Land Degradation and Desertification, in collaboration with its Desertification Research Centre (NRD), DesertNet International (DNI), and the Global Network of Dryland Research Institutes (GNDRI). The first scholarships were funded by H2020-SFS-2018-2020 in the framework of the of the EWA-BELT project, coordinated by NRD-UNISS.
UPEACE plans to expand this program globally, beginning with Africa and starting with Burkina Faso, Ethiopia and Somalia as the first countries.
"La Rasgioni (The Reason): the court of change" in Arborea
On Monday 27 June (4:30 p.m.), THE REASON: the court of change will be held at the conference room of Le Torri hotel in Arborea (Sardinia). Streaming on bit.ly/YoutubeNRD and facebook.com/menawaraENI. The Rasgioni was a practice of peaceful dispute resolution (in the field of inheritance, trespassing of livestock, etc.) that existed in Gallura until the early 1960s. Two alligadori (lawyers) represented the interests of each party in front of three rasgiunanti (judges): two appointed by each side and the omu of mezu, the arbiter, chosen by both. The alligadori were famous in the area for their oratorical skills, which is also why people flocked from far and wide to hear them harangue. Having examined the matter and heard the witnesses, the omu de mezu invited the parties and the public to the community lunch, after which he pronounced the verdict: dizisa if the request of one of the parties was accepted, arrangiu when a compromise solution was suggested. The Rasgioni scheme, already used by the Desertification Research Center of the University of Sassari in the processes of stakeholder engagement, proved to be useful in bringing out the problems in the agro-environmental field and in facilitating the opening of learning spaces (https://rasgioni.mystrikingly.com/).
The Rasgioni, scheduled in Arborea on June 27, will focus on the conflict between climate change and sustainable development, and hence not between “parties”, in one of the most important agro-industrial realities in the Mediterranean basin. Inspired by a survey conducted among the most important national and international projects on sustainable development and adaptation to climate change, carried out in the framework of the MITE Sustain adapt project, representatives of the Institutions (e.g. Regional Agriculture Department, Municipality of Arborea, Regional Agencies of the Hydrographic District, Environmental Protection and Laore, Sardinian Water Authority, Land Reclamation Consortium of Oristano, University of Sassari and Cagliari), local production realities (3A, Coop. Producers Arborea, Livegreen, Bonifiche Ferraresi, Cooperative Fishermen Sant'Andrea), environmentalists and citizens will be invited to "reason" about future scenarios. As Emina di mezu, the lawyer Veronica Dini, expert in environmental mediation, Alligadori, Professor Pier Paolo Roggero, Director of the Department of Agriculture Sciences of the University of Sassari, Rasgiunanti the researchers of the international Sustain Coast project, engaging in Oristano and Arborea in a summer school on the mediation of environmental conflicts at Consorzio Uno. La Rasgioni is organized in collaboration with Menawara and Medwaycap ENI Cbc Med projects.
ACQÙA: Sustain-COAST Summer School on Environmental Conflict Mediation
>> Acqua (water) - The etymology of the italian word (from Latin aqua) is linked to the Indo-European root ak- = to fold. So: water as a substance that bends, infiltrates, assuming the shape of what contains it. >> Cùa, Acùa - In the Sardinian language: what is hidden, secret.
ACQÙA Summer School on Environmental Conflict Mediation, will be held in Oristano (Sardinia) on 27-30 June 2022. The school will be organized by the Desertification Research Center (NRD) of the University of Sassari within the framework of WP4 – Innovative Governance of the Sustain-COAST project. The School will be focused on water-related conflicts (with case studies from the Mediterranean Region) and aims to: explore and promote environmental mediation conflict technique; inform participants about the effectiveness and validity of mediation in environmental disputes; train participants on the specificity of the environmental conflict and on the particular modalities that distinguish this type of conciliation path from those usually used in the civil and commercial field. School will be organized in Oristano, Sardinia, which is 20km from Arborea, one of the four case studies of the Sustain-COAST project. This is the first time that a school on conflict mediation, with a specific focus on environmental conflicts, is organized in the Region.
- reducing time compared to judicial and administrative procedures;
- reducing costs compared to judicial and administrative procedures;
- improving the effectiveness and duration of the agreements;
- increasing the flexibility and adaptability of the agreements, as they can be reviewed and adapted to new environmental conditions, needs and changed social conditions;
- promoting social cohesion and learning experiences, as well as enhancing community values by implementing new forms of sharing and discussions among actors in relation to the management of common resources like water.
SANAI SA TERRA Summer School
EWA-BELT presented at the 25th Commission on Science and Technology for Development (CSTD) at the Palais des Nations in Geneve
From March 28 to March 31 OCCAM, the Observatory on Digital Communication was invited to participate and intervene at the 25th Commission on Science and Technology for Development held in room XVIII at the Palais des Nations in Geneve.
The United Nations Commission on Science and Technology for Development (CSTD) discusses how the digital revolution affects development and offers new strategies in view of a sustainable future for all. The forum analyzes and frames the critical issues influencing the fields of science and technology at multilateral and governmental levels. The 25th edition of the Commission addressed two important topics: Industry 4.0 and Science, technology, and innovation for sustainable urban development in a post-pandemic world. At such a prestigious stage and inspiring context, Arch. Saporito, President of OCCAM, had the opportunity to present the results and Digital Best Practices achieved so far within the EWA-BELT EU-H2020 Project framework.
The EWABELT Project was cited as an example of how technology and science could be applied to achieve sustainable intensification pathways in the African farming systems. Attention was devoted to the integrated participative research innovative tools developed in the Six African Countries of the consortium as well as the importance of addressing gender issues and women empowerment in such contexts. The multi-actor approach, the field experimentation, and the development of ICT- based tools for detection and quantification of plant pests and pathogens through a PlantHealth Platform were introduced during the second day of the Commission’s work.
The main pillars of the EWA-BELT Project have been endorsed throughout the four days of the Commission’s work and debates. On this matter, eminent speakers and high-level experts manifested their interest in the EWA-BELT Project. Among others, Mr. Benson Kinyagia, Principle Scientist at the Governmental National Commission for Science, Technology, and Innovation in Kenya; Mr. Malcolm Johnson, Deputy Secretary-General, ITU; Angel Gonzalez Sanz, Chief of Science and Technology and ICT Branch at UNCTAD.
MENAWARA, MEDISS and MEDWAYCAP projects celebrate the World Water Day in Sardinia, Italy
"Groundwater: making the invisible visible" is the theme of the 2022 World Water Day, established by the UN in 1993 to draw attention to the global water crisis, raising awareness of the population in view of achieving the sustainable development goal (SDG) 6, an indispensable goal to smooth out socio-economic inequalities and guarantee the dignity of all human beings.
The MEDISS, MENAWARA and MEDWAYCAP projects organize an event on 19 March in Santu Lussurgiu (Sardinia, Italy) that will see primary and secondary school pupils as protagonists in a “journey” through the resource of water. The event is organized in collaboration with the Municipality and the Comprehensive School of Santu Lussurgiu, CRENOS (North-South Economic Research Center) of the University of Cagliari, the NRD (Desertification Research Center) of the University of Sassari, 'ENAS (Sardinia Water Authority).
Throughout the world, groundwater represents a huge and very important resource. Right in the subsoil of central-western Sardinia there is the largest reserve of fresh water on the island: a treasure out of sight - held back by the geological formations of rock, sand and gravel - which is important to "make visible" to ensure its sustainable management and prevent the introduction of harmful substances into the subsoil.
The event is organized as part of international projects financed by the European program ENI CBC Med, which see Sardinia cooperating with some countries of the southern shore of the Mediterranean in the research and experimentation of innovative methodologies for the use of treated, desalinated wastewater in agriculture and drainage to reduce fresh water use and supply costs, as well as guarantee the resource in countries at risk of water scarcity.
It is in some of these areas (Tanzania, Ethiopia, Tunisia, Algeria) that the activity of prof. Giorgio Ghiglieri, protagonist of the research and international cooperation projects of the two Sardinian Universities for the improvement and protection of water resources. To prof. Ghiglieri, who passed away last year, is dedicated to the event.
MEDWAYCAP project: kick off Meeting in Thessaloniki
MENAWARA project at the 5th Arab Water Forum
MENAWARA project will participate in the 5th Arab Water Forum
Dipartimento di Agraria dell'Università di Sassari ed NRD sul Tg2 e TgrSardegna
"La scienza contro i cambiamenti climatici", servizio di Stefano Fumagalli, Tg2 25/07/2021, TgRSardegna 03/08/2021
BANDO DI SELEZIONE PUBBLICA, PER SOLI TITOLI, PER L’ATTRIBUZIONE DI N.1 BORSA DI STUDIO POST LAUREAM DAL TITOLO: “SUPPORTO ALLE ATTIVITÀ DI STAKEHOLDER MAPPING E ANALISI DELLA GOVERNANCE DELL’ACQUA DEL PROGETTO SUSTAIN COAST” PRESSO IL CENTRO NRD
Il borsista dovrà svolgere le seguenti attività:
• Supporto alla progettazione delle attività di stakeholder engagement e mapping e alla definizione di linee guida per i partner;
• Raccolta dati anche tramite i partner di progetto Sustain Coast relativi alle azioni di stakeholder engagement e mapping nei casi di studio (Sardegna, Turchia, Tunisia e Creta) con particolare approfondimento nell’area di studio in Sardegna (zona vulnerabile da nitrati di Arborea) e sulle problematiche agroambientali associate alla gestione sostenibile delle risorse idriche in agricoltura;
• Supporto alla elaborazione preliminare dei dati; • Supporto all'attività di analisi bibliografica e alla redazione di report tecnici di progetto;
Scadenza 29 luglio 2021 ore 12:00
BANDO DI SELEZIONE PUBBLICA, PER TITOLI, PER L’ATTRIBUZIONE DI N.1 BORSA DI STUDIO POST LAUREAM DAL TITOLO: “EFFETTI DI DIVERSI SISTEMI DI GESTIONE DEL PASCOLO SULLA BIODIVERSITÀ VEGETALE NEI SITI DI STUDIO DEL PROGETTO IGRAL".
Nell’ambito del progetto Ager-iGRAL Innovative beef cattle Grazing systems for the Restoration of Abandoned Lands in the Alpine and Mediterranean mountain è indetta una selezione pubblica, per soli titoli, per l’attribuzione di n.1 borsa di studio post lauream dal titolo: “Effetti di diversi sistemi di gestione del Pascolo sulla biodiversità vegetale nei siti di studio del progetto IGRAL” da svolgersi presso il centro Nucleo Ricerca e Desertificazione, Via De Nicola 9 – 3° piano, 07100 Sassari.
Scadenza 29 luglio 2021 ore 12
Desertification and Drought Day 2021
On the occasion of the 2021 Desertification and Drought Day (June 17th) the Desertification Research Centre of the University of Sassari organized two webinar sessions.
During the first session – From degradation to soil recovery (in Italian) - various representatives of Italian institutions and experts taked stock of the reclamation of Italian industrial and mining areas, in light of the results of research works that demonstrate the feasibility of targeted, widespread and low-cost interventions. Among these, the Rizobiorem project has been illustrated: through a transdisciplinary approach, Rizobiorem aims to develop new protocols for the sustainable management of contaminated soils that are environmentally friendly, socially acceptable and economically feasible, thus restoring the ecosystem services of areas that are now completely degraded.
The second session (in English) – Science meets the Great Green Wall Initiative - bringed together a panel of international experts to discuss the potential contribution of scientific communities to land restoration and “green recovery”. Experts illustrated examples of interdisciplinary and international scientific cooperation and research actions aimed at responding to global challenges: climate change, water and food insecurity, poverty, conflicts, forced migration. Among these, panellists illustrated the Great Green Wall Initiative, the 8000-km-long green wall that crosses Africa’s Sahel region, representing a symbol of the global fight against environmental degradation; the EWA-BELT project, linking East and West African farming systems into a belt of sustainable intensification ; the International PhD on Desertification and Land Degradation, which promotes the exchange of experiences among young researchers from the University of Sassari (Italy), two Universities in Burkina Faso and a University in Ethiopia.
video recording of the first session
video recording of the second session
Bando per l’affidamento di un incarico di lavoro autonomo per la posizione di supporto alle attività progettuali del centro NRD.
È indetta una procedura comparativa pubblica, per titoli e colloquio per l’affidamento di un incarico di lavoro autonomo per la posizione di supporto alle attività progettuali del centro NRD. Il Collaboratore dovrà svolgere le seguenti attività:
• Gestione delle email e della posta cartacea in entrata e in uscita;
• Supporto all’organizzazione di riunioni, appuntamenti, eventi ed eventuali trasferte del personale di progetto (pratiche relative ai viaggi e missioni);
• Supporto all’espletamento delle partiche di acquisto di beni e servizi del progetto;
• Catalogazione e archivio di documenti dei progetti.
Scadenza 2 luglio 2021
Prof. Quirico Migheli is the new Director of NRD
Elected by the General Assembly, Prof. Quirico Migheli is the new Director of NRD. "Thanks for the trust you have placed in me - he said -. I am confident that all together, we will be able to proceed along the right track, which has allowed us to achieve the important research and international cooperation objectives that characterize the mission of NRD".
Menawara project: in Tunisia call for tenders for the recruitment of the design office
The Tunisian National Sanitation Office "ONAS" launches a consultation for "An execution study of works to improve the quality of treated wastewater and irrigation systems at the level of purification stations: CHOUTRANA II , GOA SIDI AMOR, KORDA AND KELIBIA ".
NRD-UNISS is hiring!
Desertification Research Centre - University of Sassari, Italian lead beneficiary of the MENAWARA project, is looking for an expert on the design, installation and maintenance of the Moodle platform of the project.
The deadline for sending applications is → 9th February 2020.
For more information, please see the vacancy announcement(in Italian): bit.ly/menawaramoodle
EWA-BELT project on "La Nuova Sardegna" newspaper (in italian)
EWA-BELT project began!
NRD-UNISS is hiring!
Desertification Research Centre - University of Sassari, Italian lead beneficiary of the EWA-BELT and MENAWARA projects, is looking for a Project Manager/Technologist.
The deadline for sending applications is → 25th December 2020.
For more information, please see the vacancy announcement(in Italian): https://bit.ly/MENAEWA-TPM
تحقق من أحدث الوظائف #job الشواغر في إطار مشروع
Bando per PROJECT ASSISTANT del progetto EWA-BELT
[MENAWARA] Ziad Abdul Jalil, Palestinian farmer, needs high quality treated water
NRD compie vent'anni: il servizio di Videolina
Servizio di Videolina a cura di Franco Ferrandu sui vent’anni del Nucleo Ricerca Desertificazione